Yup, you heard it right. We co-sleep. I got this idea for this post from a fellow blogger.
I love my blog friends, because they don't look down on me for it. If I were to bring this up outside of the blog community, {those of whom co-sleep know about this} you get"the look", & the "I would NEVER do that" " that is so dangerous" "good luck getting her into her own bed".
There is such a awful stigma against it.
Excuse me while I growl. :)
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| I no longer breastfeed {soft subject, I plan on posting about this when it is a less sensitive subject to me} I start cloth diapering at home next month! |
Here are some facts:
1. Co-sleeping Can Further Both Trust and Independence: Children who shared sleep with their parents are actually more independent than their solo sleeping peers.
2. Parents Are the Ultimate Security Blankets: Children feel more secure as a result of being close to their caregivers and children who co-sleep do not need replacement security figures.
3. Co-sleeping Can Have Positive Effects on Self-Esteem and Family Closeness: A little one welcomed into the family bed receives countless hours more tender snuggles, and more affection than if she were left alone to sleep.
4. Children Who Co-sleep May Be Easier to Get Along With and Better Adjusted Than Their Solo Sleeping Peers.
5. Everyone Sleeps Better: Scientific studies have shown that a family who sleeps together actually enters the different stages of sleep together almost simultaneously.
{source}
I love that Kennedy is right there when she needs me. I do not like the whole "let her cry it out" maybe when she is two & I know she is being stubborn, but at this age she is crying for a reason. Even if it is to be held, then obviously she needed to feel comforted, which does not make her "spoiled'. {double growl}
It also makes breastfeeding a lot easier.
& everyone DOES sleep better.
Fun Fact: In a large group of child who co-slept there were no thumb suckers.
Fun Fact: In a large group of child who co-slept there were no thumb suckers.
To answer the question: How do you co-sleep?
It is either in her bassinet right next to the bed, or in her boppy between Brandon & I.
She is in her sleep-sac & not under the same blanket as us. We go back & fourth between the two.
Now, I don't plan on co-sleeping forever, I really want her to get use out of her adorable nursery that I planned forever for. But, I really think everyone thinks this is such a taboo subject.
I co-slept with all 3 of my children. I decided to put them in their own rooms once they were too big for the bassinette.
ReplyDeleteI am with u on this subject, as long as u are smart about how u co-sleep, it can be a wonderful thing.
A lot of people think co-sleeping is just sleeping with ur child in bed with u and they fear u could roll over on them. That's not always the case. A lot of people view the world as black and white and won't accept anything else.
But we know what matters and who matters so what they say and the gestures they make should be less than a bump in the road.
Still praying for Kennedy :)
Xoxo
-Erica
We coslept until she got too long for her basinett and I'd wake up to see her turned sideways in it. So she was with us until 8 weeks or so (she's now 11.5 weeks old). And we cloth diaper, sling wearing, and did plan on breastfeeding too, but had issues with it, and formula was the best option for our family.
ReplyDeleteWe also co-sleep -- from birth and occasionally still now even; Skylar is 19 months old. I have a bond with my daughter that is indescribable and I know owe some of that to co-sleeping. She is a brilliant, well-adjusted little girl who is secure and happy-- SO boo hiss to the naysayers!!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing more soothing and wonderful than your baby snuggled up next to you!
♥Cyn♥
Here from ICLW. This is a really well-designed site, very cool. Congrats on your beautiful baby!
ReplyDeleteWe co-slept (never heard that term before for it until today though) with both of my girls. I had bad post-natal depression each time and sometimes the easy life (making sure I didn't get overtired, not letting them cry too long before you could give them attention etc) was the best way. I now have 2 very well-adjusted independent young ladies (8 and 13). Do what you feel is right, you're the only person entitled to a view. Make the most of every cuddle...they come harder to get from a teenager ;)
ReplyDeleteGirrrrlllll, I'm so with you on this one. We co-slept with my daughter and at 7 months she went in her own crib. The transition was perfect and she's now sleeping in a toddler bed. Do what you gotta, it also makes breastfeeding so much easier at 2 am :]
ReplyDeleteYorlee and I co-sleep! We love it, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
ReplyDeleteWe don't co-sleep - not for me. But I totally get the judging feelings. Why do we do this? I scheduled my children and you would have thought to some people I was a horrible mother for doing so. It worked wonderfully for us and I wouldn't have it any other way. My sis-in-law did the complete opposite and guess what? Both of are girls are great and continue to progress. My theory, we just all have to do what is best for our own and only us momma's know what that is. :)
ReplyDeleteI will never understand why we as women and mothers feel the need to judge the decisions others make for their childern! Why do they care so much whether a mom breastfeeds or formula? Nursey or sleep in parent's room? Schedule or non-schedule? First of all others may not know the whole story/background for each decision (if there is even one). And second - who cares!
ReplyDeleteI think that we should be supporting each other more and stop all the judging.
amen dana! :)
ReplyDeleteI am cosleeping, breasting (was he is almost 2 now!) cloth diapering mama too! And I am currently TTC #2, which is not happening nearly the way it did with #1, so refreshing to hear your story and strength I am so happy I found your blog. Let me know if you ever have any CDing questions, i am a pro at this point. :)
ReplyDeletewww.laurasmithblog.com
My daughter slept with me until she was 18 months old. It didn't work well with my husband sleeping with us so he slept with our then 3 year old son for those 18 months. We were constantly told what we were doing was wrong and unhealthy, but it worked for us and 8 years later I am glad we did it and often miss that time in our life. (sorry if I posted this comment twice - my first comment vanished)
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot in common!
ReplyDeleteI am also a co-sleeping, formula-feeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering mama.
Good for you! Us too! :)
ReplyDeleteExcept for the cloth diapering...wow we want to but it is so confusing!
Good for you! Us too and we plan on multiplying and we will cosleep with all our children! :) I don't think it's spoiling them either by picking them up when crying. Yes toddlers but infants?? They need lovin! So glad someone understands!!!
ReplyDelete