thread: Stopping Co-sleeping - how do I do it (preferably gently)

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    vic
    2,886

    Not sure but last night i wanted DD to go to sleep in the cot cos I wasn't ready to go to bed yet so I jumped in the cot with her and fed her to sleep then jumped out once she was asleep. Sorry I'm the worst person to give advice DD is a terrible sleeper!

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    You could take one side of the cot and have it up against your bed as a side car cot. This makes it easier for you to settle bub while still laying in your own bed and helps her to get used to sleeping in her own space while still having access to you.

    good luck

  3. #3
    Nothing like a cuddle from DD after a hard day's work!

    Oct 2007
    in my own world
    3,267

    DD has been co-sleeping with me for 3.5yrs and to be honest, the one that took it the hardest was ME!!!

    Anyway, its been only a few weeks since she started sleepign in her bed and i started by putting her in her room, reading her a story and then lying with her until she slept.

    I put the baby monitor on so i can hear her when she starts a bit of a squirm so i can go there before she fully awakes.

    She's been calling out for me in the last few nights but i just said "mummy needs to go to the toilet" then she would drift off again while i slept in my room.

    I really really miss cuddling her though =( and im slightly sleep deprived but I think all the hard work is finally paid off.

    Also, she sleeps with a soft LED light btw, so the room is not dark.

    I think the trick is just to be persistent and consistent.

    Good luck

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Aug 2007
    Sydney
    1,691

    This is what worked for us, this may not work for you (or anyone else).

    We have done this with our first two and sort of (very half-heartedly and inconsistently) do it now with #3. We will do it more with #3 when we feel it’s time, probably around 2-3 yo. All our kids fall asleep wherever they want, usually on the lounge or in our bed. When we go to bed (or if their sleeping body is in the way) we carry them to their own beds. When they wake up they come into bed with us, we wait until they are properly asleep and then carry them back to their own beds again. If they wake-up at any time during the night they come back into our bed, fall asleep, and get carried back to their own bed. There are lots of disadvantages to this method but it has worked really well for us. DS1 and DD now almost always sleep all night in their own beds. If they wake they come in for a quick cuddle and then we take them back to their own beds (awake now, they don’t have to be asleep anymore) and there is absolutely no conflict. It has been a very long process though. Actually tonight (another little celebration) they both went to sleep in their own beds (that never happens).

    All the best, it may be a long-haul!

  5. #5
    Moderator

    Oct 2004
    In my Zombie proof fortress.
    6,449

    Posting, even though I am no help what so ever

    DD2 is over 3 1/2 and pretty much the same thing happens. She can go to sleep well enough in her own bed, but if she wakes most nights the only way to settle her is back in the big bed. Not so bad on the nights where she sneaks in without me knowing, but horrid when she wakes screaming before coming to bed. I am getting over it and after last nights episode have had to have some words with her about staying in her own bed all night. When she does stay in her bed, especially after a wake up, she gets heaps of praise.

    I do want to know why she is waking up, I think that is a part of it. In your case with her being hysterical, I do wonder what is making your DD wake like that?

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Add fionas on Facebook

    Apr 2007
    Recently treechanged to Woodend, VIC
    3,473

    Am loving the sidecar idea though not sure how that works in practice - don't they then roll all over the main bed when they start the night there and/or have their day sleep there?

    Astrid - yes, I'd love to know what causes the hysterical reaction. She's always been the same. Wakes up from her day nap in a complete state too. Total opposite to her sister who always woke up with a smile making, "hey, come and get me" noises even when she was a newborn. I'm pretty grumpy when I wake up though so she probably takes after her mum