Disclaimer: Since I'm a lawyer and everything, I'm just going to put this out there. This is what we do at our home with our baby. Do your own research, and talk to your doctor before making decisions about what to put in your baby's crib.
After my last few sleep posts, I've gotten a lot of comments about the pictures of Henry in his crib (btw, I'm totally obsessed with taking these pictures, and gratuitously adding them to this post). The pictures are taken with the wireless webcam we have set up in Henry's room. This webcam is seriously awesome. It allows me to check on Hen from my iPad, my computer, and even my phone with a secure connection. I always know what he is up to, and if he is safe. Honestly, it's a big reason I've been able to let him cry a little more, and why I feel I can have all that "stuff" in his crib.
Now onto the real subject of this post. That "stuff." I've gotten a few inquires about what I have in his crib and whether any of it is specifically related to his reflux. In his crib, Henry has a normal sized, although pretty flat, adult pillow, two blankets, a bumper, and a lovie blanket.
Its been through great trial and error that we have decided on what is in his crib. And for those of you wondering, its not because we haven't considered the risks. I know the recommendations. But despite this knowledge, I know my baby better. I know his strengths, and I know his limitations.
The pillow in particular got a major side eye from Hen's behavior therapist. I never intended to have a pillow in Henry's crib. But for the longest time Henry slept elevated, first in his Rock 'n Play and then with pillows under his mattress. When his reflux was finally controlled, Henry had been sleeping elevated for most of his life, and he just wouldn't sleep flat. Quite frankly, I don't blame him. Its super uncomfortable. The pillow helped him sleep (notice he is almost always sleeping on it in the pictures); sleep I was desperate for.
So we made a choice. A choice to keep our sanity. A choice for Hen to get the sleep he needed. I know some may think this is risky. Just like some may think the choice to have a bumper is risky. But like I said, I know Henry. I know that he is super physical. That it's unlikely he will get stuck somewhere. That at 10 months, he walks, climbs, crawls, and rolls. (And because of this physical nature, he is an active sleeper and wakes up screaming when banging his head against a crib without bumpers.)
This was not an easy choice. I was scared. The stakes are high. And it took a lot of getting used to. I just have to remind myself, I know my child better than the side-eyeing doctor. I trust my instincts. I trust my judgment. And most importantly (hehe), I have that camera.
And you know what. I'm happy with our decision. I'm enjoying the sleep. And so is Henry.
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