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Q:

What are some strategies for managing restless or fussy nights with my baby while co-sleeping?

Hi everyone,

I am a new mom and I am trying to get into co-sleeping with my baby. However, I am finding that my baby can be quite restless or fussy at night and it's making it difficult for me to get a good night's sleep. I want to continue with co-sleeping, but I am struggling to figure out how to manage these restless nights.

Any advice or strategies you can share for managing restless or fussy nights with a baby while co-sleeping would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

All Replies

lyla90

Hi there,

I've been co-sleeping with my baby for a few months now, and I understand how tough it can be when your baby is fussy or restless during the night. One thing that has helped me is to create a relaxing environment in the bedroom. I have dimmed the lights, set up a diffuser with lavender oil, and use a white noise machine. These adjustments have helped my baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer.

Another strategy that has worked for me is to utilize baby carriers or slings during the day. This helps to keep my baby close to me during the day and allows me to get things done while still being able to comfort him. This closeness during the day has carried over into the night, and it seems to have helped him feel more secure and less restless.

Finally, I try to remain calm and relaxed when my baby is fussy or restless. Babies can sense our stress and anxiety, and it can make them more upset. Hence, I practice deep breathing techniques and calming exercises to help myself stay calm. I know it's easier said than done, but it has worked wonders for me.

In conclusion, being patient and finding what works best for you and your baby is the key to managing fussy or restless nights while co-sleeping. Good luck!

ckuvalis

Hello,

I also co-sleep with my baby, and I know how challenging it can be to manage fussy or restless nights. One thing that has helped me is to make sure that my baby is well-fed before going to bed. This has helped to make him feel more relaxed and less likely to wake up frequently during the night.

Another strategy that has worked for me is to establish a consistent sleep schedule. I try to keep my baby's nap and bedtime routines consistent by following the same routine every night. This helps to establish a sense of routine for my baby and makes it easier for him to fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer periods.

If my baby is still fussy or restless, I try to comfort him by gently patting his back or rubbing his tummy. This helps to soothe him and make him feel more secure. I know it might be tempting to pick him up immediately when he cries, but sometimes a little extra patting is all that's needed.

Finally, if all else fails, I'm not afraid to take a break and give myself a little bit of time to regroup. It's important to remember that you also need to take care of yourself and get enough rest to be able to take care of your baby. So, taking a break for a few minutes can help you come back refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the night.

Hope this helps!

uhartmann

Hi there,

I had a similar experience with my baby when I started co-sleeping. However, I found that having a consistent bedtime routine helped to soothe my baby's restlessness. We follow a ritual of massage, diaper change, lullaby, and then nursing to sleep. I also sleep with a pillow between my knees to create a barrier between my body and my baby, which helps to prevent movement and disturbances during the night.

Another strategy that has worked for me is to place my baby on his own sleep surface next to me, such as a co-sleeper or a bassinet. This provides him with his own space while still being close to me. I also keep a nightlight on low to provide some ambient light and reassure him that I am nearby.

Overall, I have found that being patient and experimenting with different strategies has helped to minimize restless or fussy nights while co-sleeping with my baby. Every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another. So, it's all about finding what works best for you and your baby. Good luck!

prodriguez

Hello,

Co-sleeping with a restless or fussy baby can be challenging, I know firsthand. One thing that helped me was to try to anticipate my baby's needs before they become an issue. For instance, I usually start nursing him or giving him a pacifier before he becomes fully awake and starts crying. This helps to soothe him and prevents him from becoming too unsettled.

Another strategy that worked well for me was to wear earplugs while co-sleeping. This might sound counter-intuitive, but it helps me get a better night's sleep. I can still hear my baby when he needs me, but it muffles some of his restless movements and noises he makes which helps me get more restful sleep.

I also try to keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature and make sure my baby isn't too hot or too cold. Overheating can lead to discomfort and restlessness, while being too cold can cause him to wake up more frequently. So, I make sure that he's dressed appropriately for the temperature of the room.

Lastly, don't be afraid to take a break if you need it. Co-sleeping can be overwhelming, and sometimes you need a little distance from your baby to regroup. I sometimes leave my baby with my partner for an hour or two so I can get some extra sleep or do something for myself to recharge.

Remember, every baby is different so finding the right strategies that work for you and your baby is key. Good luck!

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