how to position baby in bed

[Laneybug]

my nine week old is very comfortable in her bassinet, which is right next to my side of the bed. she sleeps in the fisher price newborn rock and play sleeper, which keeps her happily semi-reclined. She fusses when she is flat on her back, especially after feedings. We do have some peaceful side-lying nursing to sleep sessions in bed during the day, but more often than not, she fusses unless she is swaddled in that bassinet.

I really, really want to bring her into our bed at some point, but need her to be comfortable! I have tried propping her up on pillows after swaddling her, but she always rolls toward one of us and I know it's not safe...or comfortable for her.

Anyway, just curious if anyone uses sleep positioners or what you do to keep baby comfortable in your bed. She needs to be swaddled, too, at least to fall asleep. Should we wait to co-sleep until she is older, doesn't need swaddling, and has a more mature digestive system (and therefore doesn't need to be upright to be comfortable?)

[Mamusia]

If she is comfortable sleeping on her side, you could try rolling a receiving blanket or towel into a "sausage" and using that to prop her up and keep her from being flat on her back. You can do this while she's swaddled. Pillows are probably not a good idea, and if she is rolling toward you, your mattress may not be firm enough for co-sleeping.

Whether she's swaddled or not shouldn't make a difference for co-sleeping; she can share your sleeping space when swaddled, keeping in mind that swaddling will keep her warmer and so you should adjust other things accordingly, and always follow the standard safety precautions.

If she's just not happy co-sleeping, then you may simply need to wait until she's bigger and readier for it.

Good luck!

[fruitfulmomma]

We do either spooning-type lay where after they are done nursing I will roll both of us on our sides with my tummy to their back or we are both on our backs with baby slightly elevated on the crook of my arm.

As far as her digestion, is she having other problems than just not wanting to sleep flat? There may be something in your diet that is causing her upsets which could be helped with elimination. You might check out the allergy forums if you think that is the case.