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Does anybody co-sleep?

I'm a new mom of a 5 month old and have found co-sleeping with her to be the way that she, my husband, and myself get the most and best sleep at night. I'm curious if anyone else has tried co-sleeping, and what their experience was? I know co-sleeping isn't politically correct and is often looked down on (I've already heard the naysayers arguments), but it's been really good for our family so far... I just wish I knew some other people who co-slept and liked it, to have some support!

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Permalink Reply by Tracy on March 13, 2008 at 7:12am: We co-sleep and have since my oldest (now 16) was born! She slept with me (at the time a single mom) until she was 6. When my son (now 11) came along he was there with us. He graduated to his own bed when he was about 5. Now, with my husband we have graduated to a king bed and have our 2 1/2 yr old daughter and 3mo old son co-sleeping with his.

This first started because I was a "lazy" nursing mom but then the kids slept so much better and longer that we just kept it up.

My 2 older are well adjusted, intelligent kids so it doesn't look like they were harmed in any way by co-sleeping.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gloria on March 13, 2008 at 11:10am: Hi Tracey,
I admirer your dedication, even though at times there have been other stories that arise or concerns. There have been at least one or two news stories of babies having been curshed to death by parents that supposedly sleep so heavily, that they don't feel the baby under them. I personally would find that hard to believe, but I know that when people are really really in deep sleep, they prouably would be less likely to be aware of that. But, of course I remember when my kids were babies, they all had that bonding and sharing time with us. As a matter of fact, I hate to admit this, but my daughter still sleeps in the same bed with me. My bed is huge, and she sleeps on one side, and I on the other, she is fifeteen. She refuses to share the same room with her sister, and dosen't like twin bed, my bed is the best in the house anyway. My husband sleeps on the couch, he is comfortable there, and I do not object.
I might like to think that we might like some cuddle time, but believe me those actual moments are fast and fleeting, we did that some time ago, but now we are a typical middel age couple. He is more high strung than me, and is likely to be more fault finding, and critical, but he is a realist and pays bills and is responsible.
So there you go agian, you have some things on one hand, and what isn't on the other I compensate for. So were actually pretty balanced in that way. But yea, other wise I do think it fosters a stronger bond with your children.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paula on March 17, 2008 at 3:27pm: We cosleep! Grant is now 20 months old and it works great for us. It definitely helps him feel secure and all the evidence points to the fact that this experience will help him become a more independent more confidant person. Im all for it!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erika on March 19, 2008 at 2:45pm: Our daughter slept in our room for 8 months. She was in her crib most nights but it was the best. We all slept well. We were originally only going to do if for 3 months but I just wasn't ready. I guess I never would have been ready. When she started standing up in the crib, staring at us in amusement and staying up later and later, I'd lay her down next to me.

So my husband transported the crib into her room at 8 months. Now I'm sleeping in both rooms - Joy for me!

Has anyone else had to compromise sooner than they wanted to on this issue?

I know I didn't have to compromise, but I pick my battles and needed buy-in on a more important issue (sounds like politics, but we're happy:)

I'd love to hear more of the good things men have to say about co-sleeping - so I can in turn share them over dinner...; ▶ Reply to This