How do you transition from co-sleeping with your child?

1. 60

   neonjournalposted 11 years ago

   How do you transition from co-sleeping with your child?
   
   I have a three year old and we've been co-sleeping ever since. I breastfed him till 18 months and I think I did not do it properly because I'm still suffering heavily from shoulder/back pain on my left side. Yes, he's my first-born and I'm still learning
   
   Even now that I've weaned him, I still have to lie on my side to face him or hold him, otherwise he'll have trouble sleeping.  I love my son, but I need him off my bed. Suggestions, anyone? Thanks!

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2. 86

   sadie423posted 11 years ago

   I have never exclusively co-slept. I always started out my babies in their own bed and then we they woke in the night moved them to mine to feed them and sleep the rest of the night. But as with any type of weaning I would do it gradually. Does he nap alone? Start by making his room and bed an exciting place to be. Decorate in a way that would excite him, play up the 'big boy' aspect. When my babies were newborns they all slept in a swing or with me. Around 4 months old I started to train them to go to sleep on their own. I did it gradually, in baby steps. The same sort of thing would work here. Break it down into baby steps- start by breaking the holding/ lay facing him part, be near him, soothe him but don't give in. Then maybe move him to a mattress on the floor of your room. So he still feels safe with you, but not physically with you. Then go for his own room- stay with him in the room until he is asleep for a few nights then gradually leave and come back in 5 min, 10 min, etc. Eventually he will learn to fall asleep on his own. It will probably be hard, but you have to be consistent or he will learn that his crying will let him in your bed. Co-sleeping only works as long as everyone is happy, so if you aren't anymore then it is probably time to stop.

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3. 0

   Starmom41posted 11 years ago

   help him see independence is a good thing--  he can have all of his favorite toys with him, etc.

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