Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Musical Beds Take 3-The Sidecarred crib

The past few months have been a real adventure in sleeping arrangements. I wrote this post about musical beds. Then I started thinking about the game musical chairs. The chairs are always close together to make it easier to move from one to the other. Our beds were in two different rooms and that was getting to be a pain. Plus, I really missed sleeping next to Pete. I think part of the trouble I had falling asleep was due to the fact that I missed him.
That brought us to musical beds tale 2. We made a change to our arrangement. We pushed our bed against the wall and moved the twin bed next to our bed for Eliza. What happened? Pete ended up on the twin bed with Eliza and Jude and I slept on the big bed. This was better for me but not for Pete. Plus, I really wanted Jude on a separate surface but close to me. He was already too big for the cosleeper
(and never liked it anyway). I needed another option.

One day on facebook I stumbled on a site that described how one family sidecarred their crib. Our crib was dismantled in the hallway and not getting any use. It is a drop side crib and I would never use it as a regular crib again. It never got much use- Eliza only used it for naps. At first I though it would be ludicrous because our whole bedroom would be beds. However, I want the sleeping arrangement that best suits the needs of all members of the family. So I decided we would give it a try. Luckily, my husband freaking rocks and is always with me 100%.

As you can imagine he was thrilled to move all the beds around again. He might just start a third business as a mover. Seriously, he really didn't mind-which is what makes him so awesome. We have had the crib sidecarred for a few days now and it is going well. At first Jude did not want to sleep on the hard mattress. Can you blame him? However, after the first night he has done much better. He still usually wants some snuggle time with mommy in the early morning hours.

How we did it...
We secured the crib frame to our mattress box spring using bungee cords. This ensures they are held together tightly with no gap.

We filled the space between the crib mattress and the crib frame with the bumpers. We plan on getting high density foam to fill the space-but the bumpers are working for now.


Jude was asleep in his swing-so the part of Jude is being played by Elmo!



Here is a view of the entire bed brigade! I realize it is a bit extreme and some people (my mom) think we are crazy. It works for us right now. I know it won't be forever and in a way it is kinda fun.

10 comments:

Tracy said...

Well at least there is 0% chance of a third baby with this sleeping arrangement! lol

Funky Food Trisha said...

We tried the side car crib too. Totally failed for us but am thrilled it's working for you! Our favorite once the first birthday rolls around is a twin mattress on the floor shoved up against a wall in a corner. This way you can trap them in with bodies or pillows. Plus then parents can lie down......and sleep. Which lets be real. As long as everyone is sleeping WHO CARES where they are or how it happens!?

Beth said...

This is great. If Julian had a crib I'd have Patrick sidecar it. So far the co-sleeper is working but we'll have to find another solution soon since my boy grows like a weed.

Lori said...

looks like you've found something that works for you and that's what matters

Christy said...

Whatever works!

Unknown said...

ditto. whatever works!

Anonymous said...

looks like you got your creative juices flowing with that one. and i say whatever works for you is golden :)

Pam said...

As long as you found something that works for your family- who cares what anyone else thinks- you are doing what is best for your family. I'm glad you found something that works for all of you!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE it! I WISH we could do this, but I don't think I could sell dh.

Anonymous said...

LOL the picture of Elmo playing the role of Jude literally made me laugh out loud for a few seconds.
-aunt amber