Linzi

I was adamant when I was pregnant that I would never let Seth sleep in with us, but theres been a couple of times when Ive dropped off and he's been next to me and Ive felt so guilty about it. Its a lot harder to say it'll never happen than actually making sure it doesn't. Every ones individual choice obviously.

xxx

ryder

Actually there is a very high incident rate of SIDS for children who are in their parents beds. Newborns are suppose to sleep on firm mattresses with very little-to-no blankts and fluffy things around them.

And anyone i've spoke to who has co-slept, DEFINATELY struggled hugely with getting the child into a regular routine of independance. They also struggled with their children being outgoing enough with other children and adults.

I just dont understand it.

Its one thing to let a young child com ein when they have a nightmare.

Shri

With SIDs - yes it really is a danger, but the stats include people falling asleep with their baby while on the sofa.

But I think about the independence issue, it comes down to all sorts of factors including the childs personality. I know kids who have co-slept and they are very confident and loved getting their own bed - I think because they felt so secure in themselves perhaps as a result of the co-sleeping. I do think it is very much an intuitive choice. For me the danger of SIDs is the biggest factor, but I still want my babies to feel secure and close to us while they are so tiny.

mBLACK

I'm going to sleep with my son right beside me. I think we as women subconsciously remember throughout our sleep that our child is beside us, but I read alot of articles about this and they stated that men have more difficulty doing this than women.
I will be sleeping on a firm matress with nothing on it aswell, I truly believe with SIDS that parent + child touch is an important factor that help decrease the risks.

elm

At the moment I'm of the opinion that not co-sleeping is far more detrimental to a baby. I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff and so far it makes a huge amount of sense.

I will do a lot more reading around the subject before LO is born and ensure that I take all the proper safety precautions but it just seems like the right thing to do. I'm planning on doing the whole 'in arms phase' carrying LO around in a sling. From what I've read so far it seems that Continuum babies become independent alot sooner than non-Continuum babies are and because they've been in their 'right place' (according to the theory) they aren't clingy in the next stage.

I'm still open to other points of view and will be happy to change to other things if it doesn't work when LO has arrived but for now I can't see anything convincing me otherwise.

It's a really interesting book to read and I'd strongly recommend it to everyone.

Shri

I agree with this. My plan is to try for as much contact as possible (baby wearing etc) within what is safe - but I am just too nervous about the co-sleeping part.

rae05

I'm still trying to decide. I don't have an OH to worry about, and I do have half of my bed free. But I will be scared to death that I'll roll over! I might just keep a bassinet RIGHT next to my bed.

I'm also hesitant because my cousin's two kids both co-slept. The oldest is 7 and he sleeps in his own room, but only if his dad sleeps with him(wayyyy toooo oldd in my opinion). The youngest is 3 and he sleeps in bed with his mom. My cousin and his gf haven't slept alone together for 7 years!!!

coccyx

[quote=ryder;516316

And anyone i've spoke to who has co-slept, DEFINATELY struggled hugely with getting the child into a regular routine of independance. They also struggled with their children being outgoing enough with other children and adults.

I just dont understand it.

Its one thing to let a young child com ein when they have a nightmare.[/QUOTE]

Totally disagree. Have co slept with all 4 and had no problems with moving them into their own beds and they are very outgoing individuals. Don't know many independant babies! You can still have routine and co sleep.

elm

The co-sleeping looks loads easier than the after in-arms stage when the book seems to be suggesting you give the responsibility for the baby's safety to the baby.. That bit looks really scary and I'm not sure how that could be realistically put into practice.

I know what you mean though - I'm going to get this -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Bed-Be...4041489&sr=8-1

next. It's got really good reviews. I think the more information I can get beforehand will mean I can take all the necessary safety precautions and be more confident about co-sleeping. Alot of it does seem to be letting go and trusting your instincts though.

Really hope that faced with a gorgeous little vulnerable baby I can do the right thing for it x

polo_princess

Im not sure on this right now ... if it were just me then maybe id lean more towards it but with my big lump of an OH it kinda worries me a little.

I think im going to end up with the baby in our room next to my side of the bed