Need Advice on How to Help My Newborn Sleep Without Being in My Arms...

Like most of the moms already said, we let our baby sleep wherever worked but I know what you mean because it gets old when you can't sleep yourself. We all need to sleep sometime. So, here is some advice that may help to at least transition your son to the sleeper, warmth is key... if swaddling doesn't work, try throwing a soft blanket in the dryer for just long enough to get it warm (or make your hubby do it to help out) lay it in the co-sleeper like a sheet, spread firm so it won't bunch, then try laying your son down when it is still slightly warm. This worked for us. I know we're told no blankets at this age, unless they're swaddled but it was the only thing that worked for us and since I was sleeping right next to my daughter and awoke at every little sound and movement... it didn't bother me. Hope you get some rest soon.

Both of my boys slept in their carseats as little newborns. I had an extra carseat I put in the bassinet next to my bed. It made them feel more snug.

I am a big fan of the miracle blanket for swaddling. It worked well for us even when I transitioned them into the crib at 3 months we still swaddled.

I would have my daughter sleep anywhere that she would sleep, she loved the swing and I would sleep on the couch near her. I did want to say not to stress too much about where he sleeps. I spent a lot of time the first 4 or 5 months trying to get her to sleep in her crib and looking back I would do anything to have her cuddle on the couch or sleep in my bed with me. As I'm sure you remember from your older son, enjoy this time it doesn't last forever =o)

Time time time. Soon he will be bigger and coordinated to do side nursing- letting you both fall back asleep together. In the meantime, try soothing him back to sleep in the cosleeper the trick is to get to him quick before he wakes himself up all the way. Put your hand on his belly and on his head, and try the paci- or your finger (weird I know but both my girls would not take a paci but loved our finger to suck on until their own thumb was big enough)

Also, I nurse mine to sleep and then put her in her bed, and sometimes it does take me 2-4 tries (of bringing her back to bed and nursing/pacifing her) before she stays asleep!! I don't worry about self-soothing too much- she always does that during the day (all naps in her swing, I'm afraid) The experts might be all over me about her sleeping habits, but it is what works for now to get my household to sleep! Anyway she's only 31/2 months so we will evolve these habits as we go...

I either held my kids on my chest or let them latch on while lying down and we fell asleep that way. He can sleep next to you.
That's what worked for me at least!

Hi A.
I too, had the same problem with my daughter. My midwife gave me some great advice, which was to rub the sheet briskly with the palm of your hand to make it warm, before lying him down on it. Babies hate cold sheets and it shocks them back into a state of alertness - and who can blame him when he has been warm and snuggly in Mommy's arms! I know you have tried swaddling, but if you try it before you put him down - so do it before you cuddle him and then lay him down - he might not do the Moro 'jerk' reflex that wakes him up. But good luck, some just prefer being with you. How flattering (but exhausting...).