How to safely co-sleep? Need co-sleeping advice.

[Mum2Willie]

For the last 8 weeks, my bub has been sleeping terribly. So three weeks ago, we started co-sleeping (at 9 months!) in our bed. But DH has had to move out.

Usually, I put bubs to bed in his cot at 7-7.30pm and he sleeps till around midnight. Then he has been coming into bed with me (and DH move to spare bed). He has been sleeping through after that. When I put him back in the cot he is up every 2 hours! (I tried again last night and it is still the case).

So - I thought we might try putting the cot up against the bed. I have read that you take the side off the cot. But how to you ensure that there is no gap for bubs to fall down? Would love advice from people who have done this!

Please share any co-sleeping experiences as I need something new to try.

[queenbee]

I too tried the cot next to the bed for a little while with the sides down. Our cot had wheels so we ensured all the brakes were on when DD went in. She hated the cot though and co-slept with us pretty much from birth until 9.5months. At 9.5months, we put her in a toddler bed, very low to the ground, in her own room. The transition was perfect. Was amazed actually. She has been in the toddler bed ever since.

DD still wakes most nights in her toddler bed. I think they go through developmental stages. Some nights she sleeps through but it is very rare. We do a good sleep routine now. Bottle, story, bed, stroke hair, light off and she falls asleep fine.

Good luck with everything though, each Bub is different and you really have to do what works and what makes you all get good sleep. I know how you are feeling though. It is difficult at times, hugs to you xx

[Ezz]

I actually have a single bed set up in DS's room with a guard rail on the side. I sleep in there with him for the second part of the night (once I get sick of getting up and resettling him in the cot). I'm not sure about how to remove one side of the cot - I would be worried about a gap too. I look forward to hearing what others have to say.

[Lady-bug]

I was worried about the same thing, so we just put out matteress on the floor with the cot matteress right next to my side and theres no gap.

But you could try putting a rolled up blanket in the gap or a body pillow??

Hope that helps!