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    Sleeping Arrangements

    By Charlotte Gerber     

    One of the most difficult things a new mom can do is to put her baby into their own bed when they are sleepy. Some children adapt easily to having their own sleep space but many moms will admit that their children’s piercing cries have them running to rescue them every time. There are no easy answers to this sleeping dilemma but there are a few ideas that may make the transition easier on both of you.

    Many people are afraid of co-sleeping arrangements with their babies. This isn’t an arrangement for everyone- especially heavy sleepers. If you want to try this purchase a co-sleeping bed that is made especially for small children. This will help you avoid rolling over onto your child by accident. Co-sleeping can help breast-feeding moms get more sleep because they do not have to get up during the night for feedings. It also can help a child suffering from colic because their mother is always available to them for comfort.

    If you have decided on a bassinet or crib for your little one try keeping it in your bedroom during the first few months. Although SIDS has decreased over the past few years it is still a concern, especially for first time moms. A baby monitor should used when the baby’s bed is in another room so you can listen to them sleeping or hear them if they are in distress. Some babies enjoy the specially designed music and sound toys that can be attached to cribs. A perennial baby favorite is the aquarium toy with rotating fish and soothing bubble sounds.

    Problems arise when children don’t learn to comfort themselves and they continually end up in your bed at night. Children as old as five may need your reassurance that there aren’t any monsters in their room. Some parents have found ways to help make their children more comfortable at sleep time. Try playing soft music or soothing sound CDs, read books together or even create a monster banishing routine. Some children will feel safer if you check in all the nooks and crannies of a room for monsters. Young children may like it if you create a magic potion in a spray bottle that can be sprayed in monster prone areas.

    Some children will still try to find ways to sneak into your bed at night, even when you think they are too old for this behavior. Take heart, most children will realize that their peers don’t do this and they will stop doing it eventually. In the meantime, keep your cool and help your children back into their own beds on the nights when they are having trouble sleeping. Childhood lasts such a short time and they will be grown up before you know it.

    Written by Charlotte GerberRate this article:

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    Get those kids in their own bed & stick tp it. It's draining and those crys are heartbreaking, but you will pay for it in the long run. They will be several years old, still wanting to be there.

    k
    I agree.  I have never done that either.  It was hard at first but you want to teach them to self comfort and get themselves back to sleep.

    ChristineB
    My son was in his own cot from the day we brought him home. I never started by allowing him into the bed and wouldn't have because you need your rest too! The only time I had him in beside us was when I was worried he might be unwell but I could count on one hand how many times that happened. Taking them in with you is making a rod to break your own back. 

    fiery
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