Breastfeeding on demand and co-sleeping are some things that I have found, through trial and error, work very well for me and my children. When I do these thing my babies sleep through the night pretty well even from birth. This is not to say they don't wake up to eat at night, but nighttime feedings are much easier and more peaceful and we're able to get back to sleep quickly without even waking up completely.I've tried having my baby sleep in a separate bed in another room, and I've tried sleep training. There is a quote that helps describe my feelings about it:
"Use discernment about advice that promises a sleep-through-the-night more convenient baby, as these programs involve the risk of creating a distance between you and your baby and undermining the mutual trust between parent and child. On the surface, baby training sounds so liberating, but it's a short-term gain for a long-term loss."
This is from an article on Ask Dr. Sears about it: SLEEP-TRAINING – NOT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
How do you do naptimes? Do you always nap with Liam, or does he sleep in a crib during naps?
ReplyDeleteWe've always had Stephen in a crib, and it's worked well for us because he is such a light sleeper. Especially now that he's so big, he can't get comfortable if we hold him while he's sleeping (I wish he did at Church, since it's during his afternoon nap) and I've never been big on letting him sleep with us in our bed---mostly because I don't think I'd sleep very well, since I often have dreams about him being trapped under the covers, and he's in a separate room even.
I'm okay with other families doing whatever is best for them. As for me, I appreciate having a separate place for him so that Josh and I can go to bed when we want to and not have to worry about waking Stephen up in the process.
But then, maybe I'm seeing it as more complicated than it is. :)
Liam usually falls asleep while being held, and then I tuck him into my bed and he sleeps by himself unless I need a nap at the same time. He goes to bed earlier than I do as well, and he sleeps in our bed until I get in it with him.
ReplyDeleteI think discernment is key. You will find what works best for you and your family.
Thanks for your comment on my blog! So great to "meet" you.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for this link. Love Dr. Sears! Gonna go check it out now...