The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Jeff and Kelli ask:
We have a 12 day old daughter. She is doing well, and we are breast feeding. Since coming home, we have noticed, that after feeding and returning to her crib, she fidgets and often crys. Additionally, she eats every hour and a half. Draining on Mom.
We spoke to a friend (mother of two). She said to put the baby next to Mom (in our bed) nurse and sleep through the night.
Well. The past four nights have been wonderful. No crying, wife and Dad getting a decent night sleep.

Our question. Is this OK practice? How long should we do it for? How do we eventually get her to her crib?

Cosleeping is an excellent way for both mom and dad to get more sleep at night. We have some tips on safe cosleeping you can check.

Many parents start off intending to cosleep for just a few months. If this is your intention, you might try bringing the crib into your bedroom when baby is about 6 months, and seeing how well baby sleeps there. If the adjustment is smooth, you can move the crib back into baby's room.

Other parents (myself included) decide to cosleep for years rather than months. In addition to never having to wake up to crying toddlers or kids needing help to the potty, parents get joy out of waking up with their little ones.

And still other parents like to transition their kids around 2 years of age. They generally begin by helping toddler fall asleep on his/her bed in their own room. At 2, most kids who wake in the middle of the night can come join mom and dad in their bed, or some parents will setup a pallet at the end of their bed for their wandering toddlers.

We wish you many happy parenting nights, whatever you choose!

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Back to Nursing Baby Page

Send suggestions to the Web Ms.