Baby Sleeping Arrangements

[Raintonrebel]

Hi all

I am after some advice about baby sleeping arrangements if possible! We currently have our 8 week old granddaughter to stay once a fortnight on a weekend. She sleeps in a small crib (Chicco Lullago) in our room (she has the same crib at home).

I have 2 four month old kittens, who have now managed to be able to jump into the crib . If I try locking them out of the bedroom they start scratching doors and carpets as they are used to being in there, which also causes disruption to us and the baby. Sleepless nights either way lol!

Now – I totally understand the ‘sleep with parents until 6 months old’ scenario, however, would it matter for one night every 2 weeks if she slept in our spare room (which actually has been done out for her when she is a little older). The kittens lie next to her when she is on her play-mat and they don’t really go near her, so I have no issue in thinking that they would hurt her, but now that they can get into the crib it makes things a little different.

Appreciate any opinions or advice on this.

Many Thanks in advance

Amazon sell cat nets to fit over cribs, cots and prams. They’re not expensive. I’ll be getting a couple when dd has her baby in the spring.

I actually tried that on Monday but the net just collapsed into the crib

Can you lock the cats downstairs for the night? I think the baby is too young to be on her own. Sorry op, I think the cats need to be shut away from the baby for the night. Like you say, it’s only for one night, could you put them out for the night if other options aren’t available?

I would just get into the habit now if keeping the kittens downstairs. Are you able to close off kitchen and dining rooms (or equivalent) so they cant roam the house and scratch at the bedroom door? They will soon get used to sleeping downstairs.

I'm a cat lover and agree. The baby needs to be with you; it helps her to regulate her breathing. The cats need to be kept shut away for the night.
Alternatively, could you also sleep in the baby's room, and the cats with your DP?

The nets are crap

OP I hope if you do decide to put the baby in the spare room alone that you clear it with the parents first. Id be livid if my parents or inlaws prioritised the kittens over the wellbeing of ny baby. Id certainly not be continuing sleepovers.

Confine them to a small room, your DGD is too young to sleep alone. 6 months is recommended for a good reason! If worried about carpets maybe the bathroom? As long as they have a litter tray, food and somewhere cosy to sleep they'll be fine.

My cat gets locked downstairs every night as she meows and disturbs my toddler. It might be a good thing in the long run to establish that now so they don't start disturbing your sleep when they want breakfast or to play.

Can I just say I am in no way prioritising the kittens over the baby. I was trying to look at all options.

Downstairs is all open plan so nowhere to lock them really and they're too young to be out for the night.

I do like the idea of sleeping in the spare room with the baby and letting hubby get pestered by the kittens though

The 6 month rule is related to cot death and night sleeping issues. Babies listen to your breaths and use it to regulate themselves. You subconsciously reciprocate and listen to her. If she's in the room and you're both sleeping, you may wake up if her breathing changes. You won't if she's next door.
Putting her in her room will probably be fine, but if its not fine then its catastrophic - there's no survivable middle. No way would it be worth the risk, and if you were to consider it, then you'd need to discuss with her parents first.

If you’re thinking of putting her in her own room (assuming her parents are ok with that!) I’d recommend an angelcare monitor with the sensor pad. No, it won’t prevent SIDS, but it does set off an alarm if they haven’t moved/breathed after a few seconds, and has massively reassured me.

Alternatively, could you get a cage or crate for the kittens? I only have dogs, not sure if kittens would respond the same way!

It's ok I'll sort something out with the kittens. Try keeping them in the bathroom or something. Baby comes first.

and they're too young to be out for the night
But its fine to leave the baby on its own ? I'm a cat lover but the baby's safety comes first.

You could sleep in the spare room next to your granddaughter.

Why are some posters being so rude to raintonrebel she said her grandchild comes first, just asking advice on what to do and any suggestions.

milkcowmama thanks for that. :)