How can I stop co-sleeping?

If you’ve been co-sleeping with your baby there will come a time when you decide she should move at least into her own crib and possibly into her own room (although keep in mind that most experts recommend that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months of their life).

Even though co-sleeping can be very rewarding for both parent and child, and can make breastfeeding easier, at some point you’re going to want to have a bit of physical and mental space from your child. One of the negative aspects to co-sleeping is that your partner may feel a little left out – having a little person between you in the bed can seriously inhibit your chances of becoming intimate and lovemaking will probably be off the menu. Not only can your sex life suffer but as your baby gets stronger, diagonal sleeping positions and an ability to kick like a donkey may keep you or your partner awake during the small hours!

The best time to start this move out of your bed is when your baby is younger rather than older. The longer you leave it the harder it’s going to be to change your baby’s routine. As a transitional phase, try sleeping your baby in a crib right next to your bed and at the same height. As he becomes used to this arrangement, you can start to gradually move the cot away from the side of your bed.

It’s important to make sure the place he is going to sleep at night, on his own, is comfortable and familiar. If you haven’t already done so, you should put your baby in the crib to play, or for daytime naps, so that he feels secure in his sleeping environment. Eventually you can move your baby into his own room. Spending a lot of time in the room you want your baby to sleep in, especially during the bedtime routine, can also help him to feel comfortable and relaxed. Some parents wait in the room with their baby until he falls asleep, while others prefer to leave the room. It’s possible that if you stay you may become a sleep prop for him and he might find it difficult to settle himself if he wakes at night and you’re not there. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to find out what works best for you and your child.

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The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.