Need Advice on Pillow and Blanket Safety

[Proud50andPG]

Hello everyone –

I am a single mom-to-be and intend to co-sleep when my baby comes in August. But I can’t decide between “in bed” and “beside the bed.” The problem is that everything I read on safety says to minimize covers and pillows. But unfortunately, I just don’t sleep well without a lot of that stuff around me. Plus, I toss and turn, and in the morning my bed looks like a war zone. I fear that an infant would be buried in the pileup!

So .. should I get a sidecar bed? One built for that or improvise with a crib? I really, really want my baby beside me and one thing I don’t like about the sidecar beds I have seen is that they tend to have the baby lower than the bed, or have a “lip” between the bed and the baby. I don’t want this – I want something where the mattresses can be made level with one another. Not only for ease of moving baby back and forth for breastfeeding but also so I can comfortably keep my arm right next to my baby.

Thank you for your advice – Martha

[~Megan~]

I was a real tosser and turner and slept like the dead. Once you have the baby you tune into one another. I've never had any problems with dd right beside me.

[sylviamama]

I'd hold off on the side car. You can always buy it later if you find you need it. A moses basket, cradle or bassinet can be used in the beginning for naps and if you find in bed with you at night doesn't work until you get the side car. That's what we did - I thought we'd need a side car, but didn't - boy am I glad we didn't spend the $$$$!

[goodcents]

Congratulations Martha. You can find my thread somewhere here about problems with the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper. I had a problem with the "lip" you mention.

Solution? I bought a 3 inch piece of foam and inserted into the Co-Sleeper so that dd is now "even" with our mattress.

This solution wont last forever though - cause if she was sitting up (which she is not yet) her head would be higher than the top of the co-sleeper making it a danger for her to fall out. Anyways I must say it really has helped so far.

[wombat]

I like my SnuggleNest, only about $40, and solves the problem of the blankets and pillows. Only drawback is you need something else when they get too mobile. I'm gonna get a bedrail next.

BTW we have two big down comforters on our bed. Dh has his own and it doesn't go near dd cause she's up high in the Snuggle Nest. When I take dd out of the SnuggleNest to sleep right next to me, I put my comforter over me and tuck it under me or between my legs so it can't ride up. I'm not a restless sleeper though.

[GoodWillHunter]

I agree with the use of a snuggle nest. Also, I agree you will turn into a different sleeper when the babe gets here. I can almost guarantee it. You'll hear everything and you won't sleep well unless the babe is with you. I always stressed that I wouldn't hear them. So, I brought them to me and kept them there. Good Luck! You Rock!