[Princesa's Mama]

Sarah co-slept with her foster mom and would wake in the night crying when we put her in the crib while in Guatemala. We put her between us and other than us getting a bruising all night (she is a VERY active sleeper), she did not wake as much and it was easier to pat her back to get her sleeping again. We got more sleep when we co-slept because we did not have to run across the room to get her.
We decided to let Sarah sleep with us because she was going through a big adjustment. As she seemed to be comfortable in her new home, I would put her down to nap in her crib. She would not sleep as long if in her crib but at least she would get used to it. Now we give her a bottle, put her into our bed and lie with her until she goes to sleep then we transfer her to her crib. She still wakes around 3:30 am. and we bring her to bed with us. She used to get up a couple of hours after we transferred her so this is progress. We used to have to give her a bottle of milk in the middle of the night (FM did) and we eventually got that switched to water and now she doesn't need her bottle to go back to sleep.
I agree with the others, to co-sleep for awhile and gradually work her into her own bed. You may have to put her crib in your room and then sleep in her room with her, etc.
We are not big fans of co-sleeping but feel that this was what was good for Sarah. At 1 year of age, for all she knew, all the people she loved "abandoned" her. She did not understand that they were wanting her to have what they were unable to give her, just that they walked away.
We have friends from another country who co-slept with their baby and he would keep the mom up all night wanting her to rub his back, etc. Dad finally moved to the second bedroom to sleep because he couldn't sleep with their son waking him all night--he was too tired to go to work. When he was older, they tried everything to get him to move to his own bed. To make a long story short, he is 13 years old and still sleeps with his mama and dad is in the other room. If the boy ever gets married, I wonder what his wife will think on their honeymoon . This has not been good at all for my friend's marriage. I know it works great for many people but if you allow your child to rule in your house and cannot say "no" and set limits for your child and make them stick, (and I am not speaking only of the sleeping situation) you could end up with a situation like my friends have.

[angelkisses0102]

As the mom of a now 27 month old son, home 19 months, who still doesn't sleep thru the night ...I truly feel for you. Our son did not *like* cosleeping at all. We did have his crib in our room at first but he actually did better once we moved him to his own room. Belive me...we have tried everything...including cosleeping!

I completely agree with jnancynacy, wear her during the day...do lots of attachment parenting during her waking hours...my son is attachment challenged and the more secure he feels during the day...the better he sleeps at night.

Also, I like the advice of you staying in her room...

Finally, not what you probably want to hear...but your body will eventually adjust to the lack of sleep...

Best of luck to you....

[iammonikasmom]

When we brought home our first, we co-slept for awhile, then made a drastic move...own crib own room. Can you tell we were new? Anyways, when Izzy came home last year, she co-slept, then we had her crib in our room, she transitioned to that then we moved the crib to her room. What a difference between the two. Our oldest, we still find, in a sleeping bag (kept under our bed) on my side of the bed, most nights. Izzy, who we let set the pace, goes to bed and unless sick, we don't see or hear from her until morning. Mayla on the other hand, is a definate co-sleeper, but her crib is there and we again will let her set the pace. She also requires skin touching so most nights she sleeps with her face touching mine. Good luck and wishing you sleep

[Clare'sMom]

WELCOME HOME!!! I'm so glad to hear your ALL Home and Safe!!! 1st take turns napping!!! 2nd go to the local Target, Walmart or what ever and get one of those really great pack & play co-sleeeps the kind that raises to your bed height. 3rd get all snuggly, keep your arm around her in her little bed, and I bet this will work like a charm. Try to get her to nap in her crib and before you know it you will have it down to a science... Again Congratualtions and Welcome Back... Now go take a nap :-) Ann

[MLRJ]

When our two came home fromVN at three months- our daughter slept fine in a crib- but our little boy would not AT ALL!!!!!! At first the only place I could have him sleep was the carseat- so I took it out of the car and that was his bed for awhile- then I got a gliding cradle for him- when he got to be 7 months and too big for the cradle- we coslept. They do have the co sleepers though and they are great! I think kids sleep better co sleeping because they feel so secure. Just my opinion.

MLRJ