Co-sleeper to cot?Or night-wean?

[lycheemartini]

I would really appreciate any perspectives on my 13mth old dd's sleep.

She has co-slept with me since birth, her Dad is not on the scene. Since her 4 month sleep regression she has held a firm routine of feeding to sleep at 7.30ish, then waking every 30 mins or so (or even more frequently) for the evening, she goes for 2 hrs or so once I'm in bed, then often frequent waking after dawn. She has enough sleep in all, 13 hrs or more, but I feed her back to sleep between each sleep cycle or she wakes up for 2 hours!

She has been a huge sleep fighter since birth, hasn't slept in car-seat/pram since she was a newborn. She has NEVER accepted a bottle despite me trying over and over.

I have been debating for so long whether to tackle her sleep or ride it out, I love the co-sleeping and the ethos - but:

1. She eats VERY little solids although is quite capable of feeding herself with spoon or fork. She has recently dropped from 50th centile to between 9th and 25th. This is partially due to illnesses over the Autumn but I know she's not eating enough.

1. I'm worried about her teeth with all the overnight nursing.

1. I'm moving house on 15th Jan, from my Mum's (where we share a room) to our own place. I think now may be the time for changes before the big change of moving house.

1. I have to be away from her overnight in March. (Staying with her Granny).

1. I need a bit of an evening back, and I don't think it's nice for her to be waking all evening looking for me.

I think I need to do something, but can anyone advise whether it would be better to attempt night weaning with her within my bed, where I can attempt to teach self-settling, but still cuddle, lie with her etc, or, should I bite the bullet and try and settle her in the cot. She is very strong willed and I don't feel good about CC! I'm going round in circles in my mind.

Would be so grateful for any thoughts.

TIA.

Anyone?

Have you tried reading Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solution? My 7 month old sounds very much the same as your lo- we're co-sleeping and he uses me like a dummy and can't self-setlle very often so I get very little uninterrupted sleep!
I guess the thing about co-sleeping is that you're a convenient snack, always there when she needs you so I'd say go for the cot option. That's my ultimate goal. It's going to be hard but in the long run it's worth it!
xx

Thank you! I did read it when she was much smaller, sort of implemented a few ideas..I think..maybe worth another look.

I love co-sleeping and I will miss it a lot, but is getting to the stage where getting my evenings back (and a proper nights sleep) is becoming more and more important.

I feel guilty though as I hate the thought of her feeling rejected and cast out. Plus I know I will have a fight on my hands. But you're right, it will be worth it in the long run and be beneficial to everyone, it's just so hard when it's you and your baby!

xx