Is it okay to let a baby sleep in the car seat instead of the crib at night?

June - posted on 03/13/2009

Absolutely, what ever it takes for your baby to sleep. 

Sonny - posted on 03/13/2009

My brothers son slept in his car seat for a while and then he got older and tipped it over and almost smoothered himself. Very Scary!! I know that your daughter is still young but if you start the habbit now how you gonna break it later.

Melissa - posted on 03/13/2009

I just finished reading an article that stated that this was really dangerous. They don't have enough neck support and their necks kinked downwards can actually cut off their air supply. They also documented cases that had happened with older kids when they fall asleep in the car.

Kimmie - posted on 03/13/2009

oh my god girl yes it is! my friend sdaughter had the same problem first make sure your swaddling her then try the crib. my friend put her daughter in the car seat in the crib so she would get used to sleeping in the crib but still in the car seat. she will eventually grow out of it may take time but as long as shes sleeping safe its good plus u get sleep too

Ellen - posted on 03/13/2009

That is not good for newborn baby to sleep in the car seat, it can affect her spine beside even she is sleeping longer you must feed her every 3 hours.

Angela - posted on 03/13/2009

Quoting Amanda:

Quoting Vicki:

Sleeping in a draw of ya dresser,would u like to sleep in a draw? I no i woulndnt.Some people...

Comments like this I think are mean and hurtful and not helpful at all.  I posted this question simply to ask advice and get suggestions on other ways to get her to fall asleep.  People who post research is fine and give suggestions and are concerned is okay but this comment was insulting and mean.  I love my kids very much which is why I asked the question and only did it once and WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!!! but this person gavea  personal attack on me and some of the other people who were kind enough to comment and give good advice.  I appreciate all helpful comments but please don't make it into something mean. 

 

Amanda, please ignore rude comments. It is important to have support as a mom and I hope you ask again if you need to. Of course anything medical you should always ask your pediatrician for the best answer and I think you know these responses are opinions.

 We are all different and so are our children. One thing may be Ok for one child and not another. Many have quoted an article from Canada where a child passed away in a carseat.  I admit I didn't read the whole article but was the child strapped and propped back in a stable position? There have been many children that have passed away in there crib or bassinet without explanation too. It's easy for some to say to just deal with your lack of sleep. They don't know YOU. There are some women that cant function without their sleep.. Lack of sleep can lead into depression and altered moods. I''m sure we've all heard stories of mothers hurting or even killing their own babies. Now Doctors are also saying to keep bumpers out of cribs. Good idea for most but for my kids....no. I've woke to my child screaming because their arm got stuck in between the slats. I still say do what works for you but use your common sense.

Nancy - posted on 03/13/2009

Don't worry my daughter is over 2 and still sleeps in the silly car seat. We had a house fire 1and half years ago and thats what seemed to trigger her fright about being alone. She used to sleep in her crib and now she won't even sleep in her bed

Kinza - posted on 03/13/2009

I read a few weeks ago that it's recommended you take your baby out the car seat as soon as you can after a car journey. You're best off getting her in a moses or cot asap. If you wakes every so often, then she'll wake. There is no harm in leaving her to cry for a bit while she gets settled in the new enviornment. There's only so much you can do to settle them, but they have to learn to settle themselves. If she is held every waking minute then that's what she'll get used to. But like Jessica says you should give her some time...hope it works out soon for you

Sherry - posted on 03/13/2009

no, it's not safe..... she shouldn't sleep so long at 1 mo. anyway.... co-sleep or use in room bassinet for now... your baby will find her own rhythms and you'll need to adapt to them... good luck♥

Tarisa - posted on 03/13/2009

I actually just saw a segment on a news show recently that they have new studies that show babies left in car seats to sleep pose a risk of suffocating. The reason is this: when they are sleeping in their car seats more often than not their hands are cocked to one side and down. This reduces their oxygen intake and therefore are running the risk of SIDS like death. I don't mean to scare you but this is a real risk. Hope that helps.

Maggie - posted on 03/13/2009

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/A...

Doreen - posted on 03/13/2009

in addition to the posts below, it is not a good idea for a baby to be in a carseat for longer than a few hours at a time. it can cause pressure sores on the sacroiliac joint b/c their skin is so delicate and she is remaining in one position for an extended length of time.

Erinn - posted on 03/13/2009

This is the same situation we are currently in with our daughter! We started out having her in a bassinett and she slept for a few hours here and there. When that stopped working we got a vibrating chair that my mom got for her and that worked for awhile and then we tried the swing thing. Now, the only way she'll sleep is in her carseat and i'm stumped, I have the whole sleep deprivation thing going on so I totally understand how you feel! PLUS, our 3 year old son has been having nightmares lately so I get very desperate for sleep! I'm interested in getting some feedback myself on this issue! When ever we get her back home with her snowsuit on, she's so nice and warm and sleeping for long periods of time that my husband and I will just leave her alone and let her sleep, that's how we got the whole idea about sleeping in her car seat! Fortunately nothing bad has happened yet, but i'd hate to keep doing it until something does! She's 4 months old now and has been sleeping like that for months so if anyone has feedback for me too, i'd really appreciate it!!

Amanda - posted on 03/13/2009

Quoting Vicki:

Sleeping in a draw of ya dresser,would u like to sleep in a draw? I no i woulndnt.Some people...

Comments like this I think are mean and hurtful and not helpful at all.  I posted this question simply to ask advice and get suggestions on other ways to get her to fall asleep.  People who post research is fine and give suggestions and are concerned is okay but this comment was insulting and mean.  I love my kids very much which is why I asked the question and only did it once and WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!!! but this person gavea  personal attack on me and some of the other people who were kind enough to comment and give good advice.  I appreciate all helpful comments but please don't make it into something mean. 

Lisa - posted on 03/13/2009

Quoting Lauren:

I'm sure you could also find articles relating to deaths/injuries from swings, bouncy seats...cribs almost anything your baby will use posts some risk if  warnings are not adhered to. What about the parents who can't get their baby to nap so they put them in the car for a "nap-ride" is the danger gone because the child is asleep IN the car?

The articles you will find on any related death to an infant acessory will most likely include the infant was left unattended. The mother in this question didn't ask if it's safe for her child to nap for a few hours in her car seat while she watches her. She clearly asked if she can leave her daughter to sleep the night while she sleeps. I'm sure it says in the mauals that children should not be left unattended. And also a bouncer is safe and a playpen are safe but a bouncer in a playpen isnt safe. Also a car seat is safe and a crib are safe but it is a bad idea to place the carseat in the crib. A matress isnt firm enough, what if it tips. And the mother may wake up when her daughter cries, but what about if she stops breathing, it's silent, so she may sleep right through it.

I do encourage mothers to try to get lots of sleep but if you are doing something risky to get your sleep it isnt worth it. This mother might go the whole 6 months of putting her daughter in a carseat, but you would feel terrible writing on a mom group that it's okay and this mother ended up being the one who lost their baby. This mother along with many others will be fine, but I don't feel giving medical advice when you are not a doctor is not a good idea.

Let me also say that it isnt a flat head that is the problem, the reason they say a car seat isnt good is because the infant if they arnt comfy or if they are having trouble breathing does not have the strength to lift their heads and re adjust the position.

And putting a child for a nap ride in the car isnt the same as leaving your child sleep while you sleep for 6 hrs. You are in the car with them, so they arnt left unattended.  This question just has a red flag when she says she will sleep too. It is okay for your child to nap in their seat, you just cannot leave your child to sleep for long period unnattended.

And one last thing.. New mothers don't have a schedual, and new babies need to eat. You don't really need the sleep, thats what being a new mother is about is no sleep. Think about the women who had 6 kids and no dishwashers and no help from husbands. We have it easy now, and sleepless nights are not a big deal, it only lasts for about 6 months. It comes with the territory. Some people have a child who doesnt sleepw hile they have another already, so really it's no big deal. And you don't have to have your child sleep in a car seat so you can deal with them peoporly. You don't need to sleep full nights to get up and deal with your child safly and proprly. You do need to nap when you can eat healthy and excersice. You will get over the no sleep thing. And you will laugh about it later howmuch she was a bugger. You will laugh with her about it when shes older, and you will have great memories of looking down at 3am holding her feeding her and almost in tears because you are so tired. The memories are not as bad as reality.

Kay - posted on 03/13/2009

i reared six,twin's included,out in the bush,only had a pram,{stroller,if you like}each one slept in that,,just rocked it when they cried,,{except when hungry}up to you..

Felicia - posted on 03/12/2009

when my daughter was born she refused to sleep in anything but her carseat. i tried so many times to try and put her in the crib or bassinet and the bouncy and swing. she wouldn't have it. so i talked to her doctor about it and she said it was just fine as long as you had the carseat so it was not sitting straight up, it has to be like it is in the car, and you have to have it secured, so strap her into the carseat. i also talked to my chiro about it and he also said she will be fine as long as she was able to stretch out. my daughter slept in her carseat from the day we brought her home from the hospital till she was 5 months old. and she has not had any problems with anything. its a security thing and you have to do what your child feels safe with its like if your child has a blanket, you wouldn't take that away from them, she feels safe in her carseat. if i didn't let my daughter sleep in her carseat i would have never gotten any sleep. do whats best for you and your family and your kids. some docs say its fine to let them sleep in their carseats some say don't. but its really all up to you.

Melissa - posted on 03/12/2009

A baby this young is NOT going to sleep through the night. Sorry, but they need to feed frequently because their stomachs are so small. Sleep when she sleeps.

DO NOT USE THE CAR SEAT AS A BED!!!! When my daughter was born, she had reflux and the pediatrician said to let her sleep in the car seat. She almost suffocated to death in the car seat because she had her head down! It is so much safer to elevate the crib mattress and use a baby positioner if it's a reflux issue. I put a book under the head of her crib mattress to slightly elevate it. Don't put a pillow or anything fluffy in the crib, even under the sheet, or the baby could suffocate. Try a bassinet or a bedside cosleeper if she wants to be near you.

It's much more painful to lose a baby than it is to lose some sleep.

Emily - posted on 03/12/2009

Well i wouldn't do it. She will get used to sleep in the car set and then you will have to get her used to sleep back in her bed. they say that it's ok to let your baby cry sometimes to just go in the room every 5 mins to comfort her and to let her no you r there. Dont't pick her up just pat her butt or rub her back and give her time to adjust to the new world!

Tess - posted on 03/12/2009

I know that last thing you want to hear is to put your child in her own bed and let her be and most likely you wont get any sleep...however as a mother your gonna end up doing whatever is best for youand your baby and no one can tell you different.  In my case I remeber my midwife saying "your baby is going to do what you train them to do".  So my husband and I decided we would let our son sleep in his own bed and not go on his room every two hours when he cries.  And sure enough after a couple of weeks of this Osiris was slpeeing through the night in his own bed for 12 hours straight.  And yeah it was hard to hear him cry over and over every night for those weeks but the payoff was extraordinary.  He goes to bed at 7:30 every night and wakes up at 7:15/30 every morning.  We could ask for  better.  We did the same with naps.  He also takes naps 11:00 - 1:00 & 3:00 - 5:00 everyday.  We did this by not giving into his cries.  My sister however has a 1 1/2 year old and still wakes up every two hours to feed him and has sporatic nap schedules.  She tried to do what we do but she gives in everytime and ends up getting upset throughout the day.  She said she regrets doing what she did at the beginning with him.  I am so thankful we did what we did.  My husband and I have our own time at night and baby time in the day. And I know it will hurt your heart.  But babies only have so much energy to scream and cry before they crash out. The outcome in the future is quite rewarding.   So there you have my story.  Do what you want with it.  Also, you must be good to you to be good to your children.  Blessed be.

Holly - posted on 03/12/2009

Well I have read several of the replies to your question and I would have to disagree. My son who is now 4 months old wouldn't sleep in anything for the first month other than his car seat. Now he sleeps just fine in his crib in his own room. Sleeps 10-12 hours per night. In my opinion I don't think it's a problem at all. Good luck!

Tammy - posted on 03/12/2009

My daughter had severe chronic reflux, colic, and chronic pain and she slept in a car seat ON TOP OF THE CLOTHES DRYER for the first 10 months of her life.  I had a recliner moved into the laundry room so I could sleep by her.  But that was the only way she would or could sleep, and the only way I got any sleep as well.  Nothing else worked, and our pediatrician said as long as she was confortable and safe, then go for it.

Chrystal - posted on 03/12/2009

I had the same problem with my son.  He is now 6 months old and still sleeps in his carseat on a regular basis.  I discussed this with my doctor and she said it was completely safe and not uncommon!!

Chrystal - posted on 03/12/2009

I had the same problem with my son.  He is now 6 months old and still sleeps in his carseat on a regular basis.  I discussed this with my doctor and she said it was completely safe and not uncommon!!

Aly - posted on 03/12/2009

Hiya when my daughter was a baby she suffered with Colic really bad and would only sleep in her carseat, this went on until she was a few months old. She's nearly 8 and is fine. If it means you all sleep, then go for it.

Alyssa - posted on 03/12/2009

my son would always scare himself awake flinching through the night, the only way he would sleep was in his swing. unfortunatly, its not a good idea, they grow when they sleep so her back may take the shape and more commonly a bad flat spot on the head, which will take a long time to try to get back to normal... i had to tough it out it took him a while but he got used to the fact that it was his bed..

Charity - posted on 03/12/2009

I have to agree with everyone else.  I would be worried that your daughter would stop breathing.  It's ok for the nap times in the car seat but as far as night time, I would try to find other ways.  Have you tried swaddling her?  Really at one month old, they should be waking every 3 hrs or so to eat/nurse anyways. 

I would talk to your paediatrician and see what he/she can suggest.  I know it's hard to cope without sleep but the safety of your baby should be first and foremost.  I hope this helps.   

Rachel - posted on 03/12/2009

Ok so they say it's a no no but if it works and you and baby are sleeping then i think it's fine. If mum is tired how can she properly deal with the baby and take care of their every need when she has no energy??? But i would not do it for a long period of time as they will end up with funny shaped heads. Have you tried sleeping her on her tummy as all of mine had acid reflux and we were told by the doc to sleep them on their belly's and it worked really well for mine. They tell you that this is a big no no as they might not be able to move their head to breath but as i said all of mine were fine on their tummy's and none of them ever stopped breathing and they all moved their heads to breath. Another thing you could try is taking the cover of the carseat and put that in her cot and then place her in the cover it might just be a security thing for her, my friends daughter who is 2mnths old did'nt like to sleep anywhere but her carseat and her mum tried this with her and it worked like a charm and she was sleeping through the night a couple of days later. This may or may not work for you but i thought i would let ya know that these things worked for me and my friend. I hope you find a way that is going to help you and your baby get some much needed sleep as we all know you cant be an attentive mum if you are extremely tired and run down from not getting good sleep. I think people tend to forget that what we are feeling our children feel so figure out what will work for you and do it because if your well rested and happy your baby will be rested and happy. Good luck with it all.

Heather - posted on 03/12/2009

It doesn't matter how deep of a sleep my daughter is in, she will wake up within 20 minutes of being put in her crib. What we've found is having her propped up in her boppy gets her to sleep. Without that, she would only sleep while being held. She won't tolerate swaddling either (ironic, I know, that she wants to be held close but can't stand being wrapped up close).

Lacey - posted on 03/12/2009

I did this for a while because shellie couldn't sleep while in the same room with us. I didn't work. She didn't sleep until we finally moved to a house where she had a room of her own at 6 months then she slept like a well like a baby.

Chau - posted on 03/12/2009

Penny - posted on 03/12/2009

My second son slept in his car seat for the first three months, as he was a spitter. He even spit up in the delivery room! Since we "weren't supposed to" place him on his stomach (crib death prevention), the car seat was the best option to keep him from choking. He has no back problems. By the way, you are the parent -- be intuitive to your child's individual needs. Schedules are great and fine, but not every child (or parent) is cut out of the same cookie cutter mold.

Heather - posted on 03/12/2009

My daughter (now 12 y.o.!) did that as well.  we just made sure nothing was around that might tangle her, and she slept fine.  As she started to grow out of the seat, she was able to sleep in the crib, no biggie.

Chezz - posted on 03/12/2009

why dont you get a bassinett they work well

Helen - posted on 03/11/2009

heveryone seems to be getting onthe flat head thing, well i know its serious problem carseats are not the oly couse of this sleeping anywere will give them a flat head if they always lay the same way, i knwo a boy wih  a flat spot frombeing in a swing a lot, and another baby that didnt like to be put down so fmily members always cuddled it, it had a flat  head from being held the sameway al the time, as to the car seat thas up to you, i wedged my sons bed so he was on an angle,helped him sleep basicly from day one he is now in his a normal bed no problem and no flat spot, to stop it just oltinate the side the head lays on, that includes the back of the head and at play times, hope this helps

Adelle - posted on 03/11/2009

When in doubt ask the specialists!!!!

When in doubt, ask the specialists!! Don't just ask your Pediatrician, ASK A FEW!! Mothers will always have their own opinions. Don't get me wrong, I'm a mother. But what works for one mother doesn't necessarily work for the next.

But when it comes to doubting what you think is right for your child ask a specialist!!! Better safe than sorry!!!

Gillian - posted on 03/11/2009

I was reading a lot of the comments with many saying no it's risky and others saying they did it and their kids were fine. Let's be honest, we can find a risk in EVRYTHING when it comes to babies. There's a risk with your child sleeping in a crib. I would check with the pediatrician. Have them check the acid reflux thing. You have to do what you think is best. Just make sure you keep and eye on yous child. I would check every so often and make sure he or she is positioned safely and securely. Good luck!

Beth - posted on 03/11/2009

My now one year slept for about 4 months in her car seat. The doctor suggested it because she had acid reflux. I never had a problem with it or adjusting her to a routine. She slept almost all through the night with no problem. She eventually out grew the acid reflux and know sleeps fine in her crib.

Natasha - posted on 03/11/2009

This is definatly not safe for your baby like it has already been said your is unable to hold their own head up yet they are unable to control where there head is going. I hurd in the hospital of babies dying from suffercation in car seats. And babies dont have schedules they get up and are up when its there time. They will sleep when their tired. Best advice that I got is nap when your baby is napping so you get some good sleep as well.

Shannon - posted on 03/11/2009

I'M NEW TO THIS CLUB AND I'M NOT TRYING TO MAKE ENEMIES BUT I DO SPEAK WHATEVER IS ON MY MIND AND THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN I HEAR THIS IS NEGLECT OR EVEN ABUSE. THE REASON I SAY THIS IS BECAUSE WHEN MY YOUNGEST SON WAS IN A HOME DAYCARE, SHE LEFT MY SON IN HIS CARSEAT ALL DAY WHILE I WAS WORKING AND HE WAS ONLY 3 MONTHS OLD. HE ENDED UP GETTING DIAPER RASH SO BAD THAT  IT BROUGHT THE BLOOD AND I ENDED UP TAKING HIM TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT NOT ONLY DOES A CHILD HAVE NO ROOM TO GET COMFORTABLE IN A CAR SEAT FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME BUT IT ALSO CAN MAKE THE SHAPES OF THEIR HEAD DEFORMED AND THIS IS JUST A REALLY BAD IDEA. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT CALLING ANYONE A BAD PARENT UNLESS I KNOW ALL THE FACTS BUT I'M BEGGING U NOT TO GET THIS STARTED BECAUSE IT COULD BACKFIRE ON U AND THEN THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING U WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH FOR THE REST OF UR LIFE.  AND DEPENDING ON WHERE U LIVE, IF DCF FOUND OUT THEN THEY COULD TAKE UR CHILDREN AWAY FROM U AND THAT'S NOT ANYTHING I WISH ON ANY CHILD UNLESS PHYSICAL ABUSE IS REALLY HAPPENING.  MAYBE TALK TO UR PEDIATRICIAN TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER ALTERNATIVES. I'M HERE IF U NEED TO TALK.

Teresa - posted on 03/11/2009

I agree with getting them on a good sleeping schedule, but my youngest son had constant congestion and ear infections and my doctor actually advised us to prop him up and the car seat worked great and he slept better in it, it only worked for a few months until he outgrew it, then back to the bed, but he was sleeping better by then.  I am also a beliver in whatever it takes for you and the baby to get some good rest, so do what works for both of you.

Tammi - posted on 03/11/2009

She needs to learn to sleep in her bed but  when she has a cold and is stuffy let her sleep in her car seat. This keeps her upright and lets her breathe easier.  Also, I used to prop the head of the baby bed up at a slight degree to her head elevated.

Laura - posted on 03/11/2009

I recently heard one of those horrible stories on the news about a day care provider leaving a sleeping baby in a car seat. So I wouldn't do it.



Now, I have to agree with swaddling and propping up the mattress. My daughter had reflux issues and her ped. had us do that and she slept much better, not all night but woke on a routine schedule.

Nicola - posted on 03/11/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

My baby often sleeps in car seat once we get home from trip. I don't want to move her until she wakes up. I did this with my son also. I say do what you need to do to get sleep. Routines will come eventually. Co sleeping isn't any safer, although I did do it with my son, but I am a light sleeper so often didn't rest. Just go with what feels right.
Do you people actually have 1 month olds on a schedule? Wow.

 

 

Cosleeping is much safer than allowing an infant to sleep in a car seat. Safe cosleeping, meaning no alcohol, drugs, illness or soft matresses can be beneficial for both parent and baby. Your baby's brainwaves and sleep cycle often harmonise and you find that not only does baby go in and out of rem and deep sleep better but that you often wake for a feeding before baby has a chance to get really upset.   It isn't for everyone but it is much safer than a car seat. 

 

Once moms learn that most other moms don't have schedules, they can start to relax and allow their baby to find their own.  They can't talk, walk or move on their own yet we expect them to lear a sleep schedule?? In my profession, I see too many moms stressing about schedules when they really need to go with the flow. Once baby's natural rhythm is seen, it can be slowly altered into one that works better for parents. 

Nicola - posted on 03/11/2009

I am sorry to tell you all that a baby just died in Toronto after his airway was narrowed while sleeping in his carseat. He isn't the first baby to die this way and sadly, he may not be the last.  Try putting your chin on your chest and see how hard it is to keep on breathing properly after a little while:(

Ku - posted on 03/11/2009

Quoting Amanda:

Is it okay to let a baby sleep in the car seat instead of the crib at night?

I have a one month old and she doesn't like to sleep in her crib at night won't sleep in her swing but my husband tried putting her in her carseat in her room and she slept for like 6 hours. I really need the sleep so is it okay for her to sleep in there while she gets her schedule down?

Everybody is entitled to their opinion. But I don't think it's wise to let your child sleep in their car seat versus the crib because after a while the baby needs to stretch his/her muscles. Having the baby cramped up like that in the same position may not be good for their bones. Not to mention in what position is the babies neck in? Also the baby can get to moving around and end up choking themselves with the seat belt. I don't think this is a very good decision. Baby's can't call the shots its up to us as parents to make them do what we want them to and not what they want, because we as adults know what's best. This child has to learn at some point in time that they have to sleep in the bed they can't stay in the car seat forever so why make this consistent now? Last but not least I'm sorry you don't get any rest but that's one of the sacrifices when you become a parent so you have to sleep whenever you can. Maybe think about getting someone to watch the child while you rest. That's just what I think!

Angeline - posted on 03/11/2009

I think the old rule of thumb is: never wake a sleeping baby! That being said, you should try to encourage her to sleep in her crib/bassinet/cradle. My children went down for naps at 10 am and 2 pm. Even if they didn't go to sleep, they went into their cribs and would babble to themselves or play with their crib toys. Eventually they usually went to sleep. They also knew to expect that those times were for naps and it was SO MUCH EASIER when they were toddlers. Both took naps regularly until age 3.



If the baby will only sleep in the carrier or swing so be it...but try to put her down in a bed on a regular schedule, she might surprise you. You might also look into a swing with a bassinet attachment. Some babies love this, some hate it. The electric or battery ones are best so you don't have to crank it again and wake baby up.



Don't worry about the flat head, as soon as the baby is sitting up and moving around, the head returns to normal [except in very extreme cases and the drs will put the baby in a helmet thing to mold the head...our dr wanted to do this with our son, we said no, and his head was normal w/in a few months.

Julie - posted on 03/11/2009

My daughter was the same way when she was an infant, we could not lay her on her back at all, she hated it! So i did put her in her car seat (buckled in) and placed the seat in the crib. I figured that would help her get used to the crib also. We had to do this for about 2 months before she would sleep in the crib. I gradually, starting with naps got her into the crib full time. Good luck! Hang in there the first few months were hard but they got better!! Eventually you'll find something that works for you.

Tiffany - posted on 03/11/2009

Just a warning to new mothes everywhere! My husbands co-worker just had a baby that died while napping in a car seat on its way home from daycare. The mom took the carseat out of the car and brought it in the house and decided to let the baby sleep. She came back 15 min later and found the baby wasnt breathing. As a new mom myself I have also done this and occasionally don't see the harm but some times things happen. This baby was 3 or 4 months old and had problems so I would advise you to consult your doctor and see what he/she says. Maybe you baby has an underlying problem like acid reflux and needs to sleep at more of an elevation. There are special pads that can be used. Good luck to you!

Jen - posted on 03/11/2009

Really people, just because you did it doesn't make it safe! Like others on here have said, as a new parent you can expect to get sleepless nights, some babies don't even sleep through the night until their 3 or 4 months! Sleep when she sleeps, and if you don't have that luxury you'll just have to ride it out. What means more to you, getting a good nights sleep, or going to sleep for a couple of hours at a time knowing that your baby is safe.
If you have to, swaddle her, if it's the tight spaces she loves, swaddling her might help.