Co-sleeping parents?

Question

I might have a problem. it seems my LO wont sleep unless its in my bed with me. i use to be able to nurse he then lay her down for her naps, now she wakes up as soon as i put her down.

could this be a phase? she did just get 2 teeth in, about 2 weeks ago and i went back to work about 5 weeks ago. does she just miss me and thats way she wont let me put her down?

any opinions?

Answer 1

My 8 month old is like that. He does not like to take naps without me. He actually does fine while at daycare, but when we are home he has to nap on me. I usually try and let him nap in a sling or he naps on me or Daddy. At night if I put him down really tired he will stay in his crib.

Try holding her until she is really out (like maybe 20 minutes+ after she falls asleep) and then put her down. Works for us...but of course every baby is different.  

Answer 2

I agree with Ellie.  My son hates to take naps without me.  But at daycare he'll even sleep in the crib with no problem!  On the weekends, I get him to sleep, wait about 10 minutes, and then go lay him down, and I'll usually have to stand there and pat his back a little bit and he'll drift back off to sleep.  

At nights, he's still in the bed with me though.

Answer 3

Here is my trick: I nurse her in bed until she falls asleep, then I wait 15 min before making my stealthy exit! I make a barrier of "speed bumps" (pillows underneath the top sheet- so they can't slide around) around her so she can't roll away and I find that the illusion of having someone there that the pillows give is comforting to her. My friend went so far as to leave a worn shirt of hers on the pillow so it would smell like mom. My baby always wakes up during the transfer form boppy to bed so now I have just given up on having it easy! The problem is, half the time I pass out right next to her (so much for getting those dishes done!).

Answer 4

She may be missing the contact with you and wants to be with you while you are home.   It is completely normal.  Wait until she is really out maybe 20 min or so after she has gone down for the night then try placing her in her crib.  Best of luck.

Answer 5

Rather than nurse her to sleep and then put her down, lay down and nurse her to sleep then sneak away.

If you aren't comfortable with her alone in your bed just toss the crib mattress on the floor for naps.  You can't fall off the floor.  (Obviously make sure there is nothing like electrical cords in the immediate area).

Maybe she misses you, maybe its teething, maybe its a phase.  Who knows.  It doesn't really matter.  Parenting is usually just meeting your baby's needs as they have them, and providing a healthy environment so they move through the various stages of dependence a their own pace.  The more her needs are met the faster she will grow past them