Stellar Mother

Dear Stellar Mother – My daughter is 5 months old and has co-slept with my husband & I since she was born.  I’d like to put her into her own bed, but am not sure if it’s the right thing for her.  I’m scared she won’t be able to sleep without me next to her.  What should I do? – Sleeping Sally

Dear Sleeping Sally – Let me guess: Neither you nor your daughter are sleeping through the night, right?  And your husband spends most nights sleeping on the couch?  This situation isn’t healthy for anyone and putting your daughter into her own bed – and bedroom – is the right decision for her and your marriage.

In addition, co-sleeping with a baby is very dangerous as it can lead to accidental suffocation.  And what does your husband think about sharing your marital bed with someone else?  Co-sleeping is not just unnecessary, it is not cool.

However, I congratulate you on taking the steps to putting your daughter into her own bed.  Luckily, she is young enough that the transition into her own bed will be fairly easy.  Kids have to sleep in their own beds sooner or later, so it may as well be sooner to ensure proper sleep routines are established early.  It sounds like you may have a hard time with this, so make sure you ask your husband for support (it will be easier for him!).

Good luck, and enjoy the sleep.