Loading Kindness - Spinning Up Mommy Magic

While the Love Loads, Our Spinner Spins. Get Ready to Share, Support, and Bond with Like-minded Moms!

Popular Searches:
149
Q:

How do I handle potential disruptions to my own sleep schedule, such as work commitments or travel, while co-sleeping with my baby?

Hi everyone,

I recently became a first-time parent and my partner and I have decided to co-sleep with our baby. However, I'm worried about how I'm going to handle potential disruptions to my own sleep schedule due to work commitments or travel.

I work a full-time job and sometimes have to stay late or attend early morning meetings. Additionally, my partner and I love to travel and often take weekend trips. I don't want these commitments to affect the quality of my baby's sleep or disrupt our co-sleeping arrangement.

I'm hoping to get some advice from other parents who have navigated similar situations. How do you handle work and travel commitments while co-sleeping with your baby? Are there any tips or tricks you can share to minimize disruptions and ensure a good night's sleep for both you and your baby?

Thank you in advance!

All Replies

vern.adams

Hi there,

I can definitely relate to your concerns about potential disruptions to your sleep schedule while co-sleeping with your baby. I have been co-sleeping with my son for the past year and have had to navigate work and travel commitments during that time.

One thing that has helped me is to establish a consistent bedtime routine for my son. This includes a specific time for bedtime, a set sequence of activities leading up to bedtime (such as a bath, story time, etc.), and a consistent sleeping environment (such as a specific room or bed).

When I have work commitments, I try to plan ahead as much as possible so that I can arrange for someone to watch my son while I'm away. This might mean hiring a babysitter or asking a family member or friend to help out. If I have to be away overnight, I make sure to bring along familiar items from my son's bedtime routine (such as his favorite stuffed animal or blanket) to help him feel more comfortable in a new sleeping environment.

As for travel, I try to stick to my son's regular bedtime routine as much as possible. This means bringing along his favorite books and toys, and making sure he has a comfortable sleeping space (such as a Pack 'n Play). I also try to keep to consistent mealtimes and nap times to help maintain his regular schedule.

Overall, I've found that establishing a consistent bedtime routine for my son and planning ahead as much as possible have been key in minimizing disruptions to both of our sleep schedules while co-sleeping. I hope this helps and good luck navigating this new and exciting phase of parenthood!

karlie05

Hello everyone,

As a new parent, I completely understand the struggle of co-sleeping with your baby and navigating work commitments or travel. My husband and I also practice co-sleeping with our little one, and we've had to adjust our sleeping schedule at times.

One thing that has helped us is being transparent with our employers about our situation. Both my husband and I have discussed our co-sleeping arrangements with our bosses, and they have been quite understanding. This has allowed us to have a bit more flexibility in our work schedule, especially when one of us needs to take care of our child.

Additionally, when it comes to travel, we try to plan ahead as much as possible. We prioritize booking accommodations that offer cribs, and we also invest in a travel crib that we can take with us. This way, our baby has a familiar sleeping environment, which is important when it comes to co-sleeping.

Furthermore, we've also found that having a backup plan, like a trusted babysitter or family member, can be helpful during disruptions to our sleep schedule. This way, we can ensure that our baby is in good hands, and we don't have to worry about him while we're away.

In conclusion, co-sleeping with your baby while managing work and travel commitments can be challenging, but it's definitely doable. By being open with your employer, planning ahead, and having a backup plan in place, you can help minimize disruptions to both your and your baby's sleep schedule.

kayli84

Hey there,

I completely understand your concern about balancing co-sleeping with the potential disruptions to your sleep schedule due to work commitments and travel. My partner and I have been co-sleeping with our son for the past few months and it has been quite a journey.

Initially, I felt worried about how to handle disruptions to our sleep schedule but I have learned a few tips and tricks that have helped us. Firstly, I follow a consistent nighttime routine with my son, and this has set his sleeping patterns. This makes it easier to take him to sleep even when we are away from home.

Furthermore, whenever there is a need for me to work late or attend an early morning meeting, I try to have someone watch over my child, sometimes his grandma helps out. This way, my son is in safe hands and is likely to sleep uninterrupted.

In terms of travel, I usually try to book accommodation with a travel cot or a crib for my son. I also pack his favorite sleep toy so he feels at home even when we are away. We also stick to the same bedtime routine that we follow at home so that he feels more comfortable and at ease.

In summary, co-sleeping with your baby doesn't have to be disruptive to your sleep schedule. With a consistent sleep routine, planning ahead, and some flexibility, you can ensure that both you and your baby have a good night's rest no matter where you are.

damon03

Hi there,

I have been co-sleeping with my daughter since she was born, and I have experienced my fair share of disruptions to my sleep schedule due to work and travel commitments. One thing that has helped me is to be flexible with our sleeping arrangements.

For example, when I have work commitments, I often try to get my daughter used to sleeping in her crib during nap times. This makes it easier for her to transition to sleeping there when I am not able to co-sleep with her at night. I also have a video monitor set up in her room so that I can keep an eye on her while she is sleeping.

When it comes to travel, I have found that bringing along some familiar items from home can help my daughter feel more comfortable in a new environment. I always make sure to pack her favorite stuffed animal, blanket, and a few toys. Additionally, bringing along a white noise machine can help drown out any unfamiliar noises and create a soothing sleeping environment for her.

Overall, I have learned that flexibility is key when it comes to co-sleeping and navigating disruptions to your sleep schedule. While it can be challenging at times, it is important to prioritize getting enough sleep for both you and your baby. With some planning and preparation, you can minimize disruptions and help your baby feel comfortable and secure while co-sleeping.

eankunding

Hi all,

I wanted to join in and share my experience navigating work and travel while co-sleeping with my baby. I found that being prepared and having a routine is essential when it comes to managing disruptions.

For instance, I establish a calming bedtime routine that we can stick to, whether we are at home or away. I try to implement the same routine and transition to sleep for both daytime naps and nighttime sleep. This helps my baby to understand when it's time to sleep and soothe herself to sleep when I'm not around.

When it comes to work, I try to work with my employer to schedule meetings that don't conflict with my baby's bedtime. And during those times when I have to work late or travel, my husband steps in and co-sleeps with the baby. Having a support system is essential as it helps you delegate tasks and reduces your workload.

Finally, I've learned that staying well-rested is essential, and sometimes that means taking turns with my husband for nighttime feedings and diaper changes. This way, we both get enough rest, and we can be more productive when our workday starts.

In summary, it's crucial to prioritize yourself and your baby's sleep while co-sleeping. By establishing a routine, staying prepared, and having a support system, you can navigate disruptions effectively and enjoy co-sleeping with your little one.

margarete86

Hello everyone,

I empathize with your concern as a mother. Co-sleeping can be tough to navigate, especially when it comes to managing work and travel commitments. As a mother of three, I have found that a consistent bedtime routine plays a significant role in ensuring my children sleep well, regardless of where we are.

It is essential to note that co-sleeping is a personal decision that varies by family. So, depending on your preference, you can choose to transition your baby to their bed early so they can learn to sleep independently when you need to be away from home. For instance, when I had to travel for work, I set up a sleeping area in the room I slept in with my newborn. I did this to keep her on her schedule and reduce sleep disruption.

When traveling, it's always challenging to have a routine, but it doesn't mean bedtime rituals should be ignored or disrupted. I pack a portable white noise machine, a favorite toy, a few blankets, or any other familiar items, to make her sleeping environment more familiar.

In conclusion, there is no one way to balance co-sleeping and work or travel. However, creating a consistent routine and having a plan in place, such as a backup caregiver, can minimize disruptions and ensure that you and your baby get the rest you need. Remember, you are the one in control, and if co-sleeping doesn't work at the moment, there are other options to try out.

New to Kind Mommy Community?

Join the community