talk to me about co-sleeping, when you haven't in a long while

[JordanKX]

I'm in kind of a weird situation, and I already know the answer... but I'm asking anyway.

DP and I are splitting up, in that he is moving out. I've moved to the bedroom right next to DS.  And during the past two weeks of this transition, DS is fascinated by this new room... he's been exploring every inch... we've had some great bonding times in my "New Room".

DS is 17 months - he's been in his crib since 9 months. He Loves his crib! He runs to it for nap times and at night. He has a stool to climb himself inside. He plays in there. He's a happy kiddo with his crib. He's a crazy sleeper - 12-14hrs at night with minimal wakes, and sleeps 2-3hrs naps. Something we never had when we were co-sleepers, which is ultimately why we switched to the crib.

BUT, something is happening with all this change in his life. I chalk a lot up to his age and "normalness", BUT last night when he got up at 5am and took his sippy cup and still Wanted Me... I picked him up and brought him to bed with me. Which I've done numerous times when he was much younger, but it was never successful - it became Play Time, not sleep time. But last night... I'm thinking, I'm alone in the bed, he's unhappy... I brought him in with me. After a few sippy-cup-swipes-to-the-head, he went to sleep and we snuggled. He actually slept in!

I have Zero problem with doing this. I would love it, actually. I've wanted him back in the bed the minute he went into his crib - except, he does really enjoy his crib. He has always been an amazing sleeper for nights and naps. I don't want to mess with the routine. But I also respect that we're going through a transition. Regardless of what's "normal" for right now... his father has moved out. There is a new Mommy room in the house. I'm sure he gets that. And if he wants more attention, I'm here to give it. If that is selfish of me, alrighty then :-) I'm okay with that too :-)

My only fear is that he loses his relationship with his crib. I don't want him to lose that relationship of going down for naps and nights. If he ends up in the bed with me when he wakes in the middle of the night, so be it. That can be a regular thing. But will he still be able to go down without me? I don't want to hinder something that has been so great all along. Especially since I work, and his father will remain (for now) the daddy nanny during the day, putting him down in his crib for naps. I don't want him to NOT be okay with dad or his crib.

Tell me I'm stupid. Or give me some experiences you've had.

TIA

[tzs]

just piping in to say sorry about the split....but congrats on the snuggles, i know you've been waiting for some! :)

[oregonianmama]

I'm so sorry you are going through that. I say grab your boy and enjoy your snuggle time, you will see quickly if it affects how he naps. Toddlers are pretty flexible and I'm sure he will quickly get that nighttime is time for mommy snuggles and nap times are in the crib. My son co-sleeps but has no problem with me sneaking away for nap time. Hope that helps!