I’ve been co-sleeping with my newborn for the past few weeks and it’s been an incredible experience. Not only has it strengthened the bond between us, but it has also made nighttime feedings much more manageable.
If you’re considering co-sleeping with your newborn, here are 7 tips that can help you navigate this journey with ease.
1. Set Up Your Breastfeeding Station in Your Room
If you’re breastfeeding or using a breast pump, having a dedicated setup in your bedroom is essential. Ensure you have a comfortable chair or desk for your breast pump, along with a milk bottle warmer nearby for quick and easy feedings.
2. Share Responsibilities with Your Partner
Teamwork is crucial. Divide tasks with your spouse—while one parent handles breastfeeding or pumping, the other can manage feeding and soothing the baby. This division of labor ensures both parents get necessary rest during nighttime routines.
3. Use a Night Lamp
Newborns have yet to distinguish between day and night. A soft night lamp helps create a soothing environment for nighttime feedings and diaper changes without fully waking your baby.
4. Invest in a Cocoonababy Mattress
A Cocoonababy mattress provides ergonomic support designed by pediatricians, promoting comfort and safety for your baby during sleep. Its lightweight and versatile design make it easy to position your baby for optimal rest.
Do note that there is controversy regarding sleep positioners so do your research before purchasing one. For my case, the cocoonababy nest has definitely helped with my son getting a good night’s sleep.
5. Keep Baby Essentials Handy
Stock your bedroom with essentials like diapers, wipes, a changing mat, and spare clothing. Having these items within reach saves time during nighttime diaper changes and fussiness.
6. Track Baby’s Routine
Maintain a baby tracker to log feeding times, diaper changes, and other important details. Whether using an app or a printable tracker, this helps monitor your baby’s progress and ensures you stay organized.
7. Streamline Your Formula Milk Preparation Process
If using formula, streamline your preparation process. Keep a bottle of water, sterilized bottles, and a bottle warmer in your room for quick access. This setup minimizes disruptions during nighttime feedings.
Conclusion
Co-sleeping with your newborn can be a rewarding experience that enhances bonding and facilitates nighttime care. By implementing these tips—creating a breastfeeding station, sharing tasks, using gentle lighting, investing in quality sleep products, keeping essentials close, tracking routines, and organizing formula feeding—you can make this journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your baby.