A lot of babies don’t like cribs. This is what we did to our bed to make it safe. First, we lowered it by removing the frame. Just have a box spring and mattress, this way it’s low enough so that baby won’t get hurt when she rolls off. This is also important over the next year or two when she is trying to climb in and out of bed; the lower bed the easier and safer it is.
Also, try a sidecar arrangement while she’s sleeping. In this way, baby is within arm’s reach for nursing and bonding, yet mother and baby are not so close that they keep each other awake. (You can buy a special baby bed called the “Arm’s Reach® Co-Sleeper® Bassinet” that’s designed to be used next to the parent’s bed.)
You will also need to be sure your bedroom is baby-proofed. That way, when she wakes up and gets out of bed to come looking for you, she won’t get hurt by anything in the room. You can use a monitor to listen for the sounds of her waking up.
Check out our sleep section for more tips.
Dr. Jim