Where do I start?

[Partaria]

Hi Mamas,

I'm having my first child in May and DH and I are pretty much sold on doing either bedsharing or cosleeping with some kind of sidecar.

We just have about a billion questions about how it all works. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what their best resource book out there is on the subject. I've looked up some great stuff online (including here at Mothering, of course), but a lot of it seems focused on arguing for the safety of cosleeping, which we're already on board with.

At this point, I'm looking for the practical how-to stuff, like advice on bedsharing vs. sidecar co-sleeping, how to do it safely (blankets? pillows?) and all that jazz.

Can anyone recommend a good how-to book?

[P.J.]

Originally Posted by Partaria

Hi Mamas,

I'm having my first child in May and DH and I are pretty much sold on doing either bedsharing or cosleeping with some kind of sidecar.

We just have about a billion questions about how it all works. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what their best resource book out there is on the subject. I've looked up some great stuff online (including here at Mothering, of course), but a lot of it seems focused on arguing for the safety of cosleeping, which we're already on board with.

At this point, I'm looking for the practical how-to stuff, like advice on bedsharing vs. sidecar co-sleeping, how to do it safely (blankets? pillows?) and all that jazz.

Can anyone recommend a good how-to book?

The Baby Book by Dr. Sears is the best for just about any and every baby related question you might have! It has a great chapter on cosleeping, including what is safe and sidecar beds. GL!

[Partaria]

Oh awesome. I have that one coming from Amazon any day now.

Is it worth it to buy the Baby Sleep Book too?

Also- anyone know anything about cosleepers vs bedsharing? We bought a cosleeper super early in the pregnancy cause there was a great deal on Craigslist. But now I'm wondering if we should just chuck it and go bedsharing...

[Cujobunny]

I think it's really going to depend on your baby. I had the intention of putting dd in a bassinette next to my bed but she would have none of it. She would sleep only in my bed next to me. I had the bassinette set up for months, then the crib in its place and she never slept in either of them.

[Partaria]

Good know, thanks!

We bought the cosleeper from a mom who said the same thing. Baby wasn't in to it, and would only fall asleep in mom's arms. Guess we'll just try it and see. We can resell on Craigslist if the kid doesn't approve.

[Asiago]

We had an Arms Reach co-sleeper also but moved baby into our bed. He did much better there and so did I having him with me.

[lookatreestar]

don't over think it? i had a basinet and a crib and both were worthless for us anyway. i still had to physically get up and check on her in the bassinet, i couldn't just roll over and check her breathing kwim? as far as blankets, dh and i only use one pillow each (standard) and no fluffy blankets, only a fitted sheet on a firm mattress (no boxspring, very low to the ground), we only have one blanket then baby sleeps next to me. dress baby warm enough so a blanket is not needed for baby.