Hi

Just wanted to share that DD1 aged 5 years 3 months has recently begun to sleep all night in her own bed at last!

We co-slept from about 1 year having done bits of it before but also assuming that since she was ok in her cot that would be fine, but she got separation anxiety and moved in with us. We frequently offered her own big bed, rewards etc to sleep there but it was sporadic, luckily we had the sense to never force it.

When she was 4 and going to school we encouraged her to start in her own bed but no amount of bribery, rewards, praise etc made an impact to encourage her to stay there all night.  She was never turned away but we just kept trying, silly really but she seemd to be too old to be in with us!

When DD2 arrived last year I realised what a fuss I had made over nothing and how big an impact it had on DD1.  SHe was still in wtih me and the baby and for a while even started in with us.

So all the attempts stopped and what do you know, 6 months later she started to stay asleep in her bed all night (I did induldge in new clothes to reward her, we don't do unconditional parenting) and three weeks later it is just normal to her!

DD2 will not be put through all the tactics etc DD1 was and will prob leave our bed earlier because of it, but if she doesn't I am mature enough now not to stress about it!!!

Happy co-sleeping!

 I am already realising how quickly it will go and how much I will miss waking to see them by my side!

Nicole, Ruth (5) and Meg (10 months)

Congratulations!!!

I've just started co-sleeping with my DD... wonder when she will be moving onto her own bed LOL!

xxx

Lu and Baby Em

Co CL on Mums Due Aug 09