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39 Comments
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Ceri
12:10 PM on December 07, 2009
Your site was incredibly useful! Thank you so much for putting it together and sharing it!!!!
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Fatina Francis
12:36 PM on November 28, 2009
Hi there,
I just wanted to thank you for putting these pages together.
I just wanted you to know how much of a difference
cosleeping (by sidecarring our DS's crib) has made in our lives.
We had tried so many different sleeping arrangements, none of which completely
worked for us, until we figured out how to sidecar the crib.
We couldn't have done it without your clear instructions and wonderful pics.
Our DS is now 19 months and we still have his crib sidecarred.
I only wish we had found your instructions from the very beginning.
Thanks again!
Aloha,
Fatina
I just wanted to thank you for putting these pages together.
I just wanted you to know how much of a difference
cosleeping (by sidecarring our DS's crib) has made in our lives.
We had tried so many different sleeping arrangements, none of which completely
worked for us, until we figured out how to sidecar the crib.
We couldn't have done it without your clear instructions and wonderful pics.
Our DS is now 19 months and we still have his crib sidecarred.
I only wish we had found your instructions from the very beginning.
Thanks again!
Aloha,
Fatina
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ilovemyboys
09:18 PM on October 27, 2009
Wendy says...
We set up the side car bed two days ago but are still looking for something to cover his mattressto make it more like ours because he notices the different texture. Our bed has a comforter tucked in that he is on top up and his has just a fitted crib sheet. Any ideas for something safe to use - he is 8 months old.
I made a thin mattress pad (really, a lightly quilted blanket- I found the quilted fabric at the fabric store and just attatched a cotton sheet on the top because i prefer the feeling of cotton instead of the flannel) I tucked it under the crib mattress on one side and had it extend over to the middle of our bed, it covered the crack of the two mattresses and our little ones didn't notice, but on nights when it was in the wash and they were just on their crib sheet they seemed to notice they weren't in our bed too! I believe there are some pictures of our "mattress pad" on the main page :-) Hope this helps!
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Wendy
08:57 PM on October 27, 2009
We set up the side car bed two days ago but are still looking for something to cover his mattressto make it more like ours because he notices the different texture. Our bed has a comforter tucked in that he is on top up and his has just a fitted crib sheet. Any ideas for something safe to use - he is 8 months old.
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lilly
09:34 AM on October 23, 2009
nice article. I posted it to colorado attached parenting . thanks
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Melissa
03:33 PM on October 17, 2009
Hello first i want to start out by saying thank you so much for sharing you ideas, this has worked out so well for us, my baby girl is almost 3 month sleeps through the night if she is in bed with me but as soon as i would put her in her crib which is in my room she would wake up or not sleep through the night, we tryed it your way and it worked out great she sleeps through the night and now my husband and i sleep good, we dont have to worry about anyone rolling over on her. So again thank you so so very much. To everyone else if you wondering if this works it did for me and i am so thankful that i learned about it and tryed it. I guess the baby is so close to you they can you breathing and they think they are in the bed with you dont know not for sure but this is the greatest thing yet.
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Lisa
02:01 AM on October 04, 2009
I don't even know where to start. I feel like there's hope, and it's so nice to know that I'm not alone! The only thing stopping me from tearing into my daughter's crib to set up her side car right now is the fact that she's already asleep for the night (or at least for the next hour). I have been co-sleeping with my 10 month old for the last few months. Unfortunately, she's quite the mobile sleeper, which means my husband's been sleeping in the other room and she keeps me up most of the night. I am feeling like this might actually be our solution to being a normal family again! Thank you so much!
Lisa
Lisa
private says...
Yeah, I won't be coming back to a site that starts music on my computer without my permission.
I'm terribly sorry if the music on the page caused problems for you, I've turned it off. I'm not a professional web designer, actually I know very little about this stuff at all, that's why I use "freewebs" to build and host my site it gives you options you just click the things you want...when it aasked if I'd like background music i thought that would be a neat feature, i had no idea it would cause problems or bother some people. I'm terribly sorry! The only reason I have made and try to maintain this site is to help others I'm sorry for the trouble!
Lish
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private
08:42 PM on September 08, 2009
Yeah, I won't be coming back to a site that starts music on my computer without my permission.
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Stacy Katherine V.
02:18 PM on August 31, 2009
Hello! After seeing your website, we made our crib into a sidecar! We were looking for a transitional solution from having the baby in the bed, needing a little more space, and this was it! We had to build a platform to raise our crib-conversion up to mattress level, as it sat low to the ground. My husband constructed a platform base, complete with wooden 'cleats' to secure the crib, and a wooden 'bridge' between the mattresses that we covered to make soft. I took pictures of it all so I could share with you! Please let me know if there is an email address I could send the main pics to you for including on your site if you choose, as they turned out really well! Thank you, Stacy
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Katie
11:08 AM on August 20, 2009
Thank you so much for posting this, I was worried about having to spend loads of money on a special bedside cot but now I'm planning on modifying one just like you have! Very helpful site 
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Ronni
01:41 PM on August 13, 2009
Thank you so much for your site & sidecar information!!! I just wanted to add one thing, the high density foam can run kind of pricey, it's about $40.00 a yard by us, so I called a Verlo mattress store by us & asked if they had any extra high density foam that they don't use or throw away & I got a perfect piece of foam for the crib that same day for free.
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Kate
08:35 AM on July 25, 2009
OMG!!!! You are my hero!!! I am SO doing the sidecar crib thing! I love co-sleeping and breastfeeding, but I hate not being able to move around in bed, or being squished between my son and my hubby! My son is 5.5 mths and we have been co-sleeping since I found out that I could breastfeed laying down!
I'm off to buy my bungee cords and my foam RIGHT NOW! haha ;)
THANK YOU! Thank you for posting such great instructions and with awesome photos!
I'm off to buy my bungee cords and my foam RIGHT NOW! haha ;)
THANK YOU! Thank you for posting such great instructions and with awesome photos!
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Lish
11:02 AM on July 09, 2009
Hi Amanda
I donated through the Mother's Milk Bank of Ohio http://www.ohiohealth.com/body.cfm?id=1049
which is a HMBANA milk bank- strictly not for profit ( noone's making a profit off the milk you generously donate) http://www.hmbana.org/ I also donated mother to mother for a local family you may find someone near you through Milkshare http://milkshare.birthingforlife.com/ which helps match up donors with needy babies
I found this article helpful when deciding where to share my milk "Thinking of Donating Your Breastmilk? Read This First"
http://www.breastfeedingsymbol.org/2007/09/02/thinking-of-donatin
g-your-breastmilk-read-this-first/\
Donating your milk is a precious gift for a needy baby, it's terrific you're considering it, it's been a real rewarding experience for me!
Best Wishes,
Lish
I donated through the Mother's Milk Bank of Ohio http://www.ohiohealth.com/body.cfm?id=1049
which is a HMBANA milk bank- strictly not for profit ( noone's making a profit off the milk you generously donate) http://www.hmbana.org/ I also donated mother to mother for a local family you may find someone near you through Milkshare http://milkshare.birthingforlife.com/ which helps match up donors with needy babies
I found this article helpful when deciding where to share my milk "Thinking of Donating Your Breastmilk? Read This First"
http://www.breastfeedingsymbol.org/2007/09/02/thinking-of-donatin
g-your-breastmilk-read-this-first/\
Donating your milk is a precious gift for a needy baby, it's terrific you're considering it, it's been a real rewarding experience for me!
Best Wishes,
Lish
Amanda says...
P.S. I'm wondering about the breastmilk donation (saw your button). I have some I'd like to potentially donate--do you have a link to more info??? tia...
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Amanda
09:03 AM on July 09, 2009
P.S. I'm wondering about the breastmilk donation (saw your button). I have some I'd like to potentially donate--do you have a link to more info??? tia...
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Dr Laura Markham
06:05 PM on July 01, 2009
I love your photos of the sidecar hack. So terrific for parents wondering exactly how to make this work. I'll be linking to this page from my website. Thanks so much!
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Sophie
12:16 PM on June 30, 2009
Thank you for your site - very encouraging to a sleep-deprived mama who is so sick of hearing how many of her friends babies are sleeping through the night. I'm going to buy a cot now and set it up as a sidecar arrangement - we're currently bedsharing and I think my movement might be waking my little one up. So thanks for the instructions, it means we don't have to buy one of the fancy co-sleepers new, we can just get a normal cot off ebay!
Thanks for the wonderful site!!! Moving my DD from our bed to a sidecar has really made a difference in how well we all sleep. I don't think I would have had the courage to tackle the project without your step by step instructions. I would love to send you some pics if you are interested. Thanks a bunch! - emily
I seem to be having trouble with my guestbook, I'm getting email notices that people are signing it, but they aren't showing up....I'm working on that. Just want you all to know I'm not intentionally blkocking comments or ignoring you, I LOVE to read the comments and I'm quite disappointed this is going hay wire hopefully it will be fixed soon.
Lish
Lish
Aylin says...
Hi, I just had to let you know that song has me weeping! I was up with a fussy baby last night and today she's been nursing so often (3 weeks old tomorrow) that I think it'll be another hard night....but I am encouraged! Thanks, Aylin
Those first weeks/months are so hard, sometimes I wonder how I ever made it through myself...but it's all worth it. Congratulations on your precious baby
Lish
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Aylin
08:14 PM on February 19, 2009
Hi, I just had to let you know that song has me weeping! I was up with a fussy baby last night and today she's been nursing so often (3 weeks old tomorrow) that I think it'll be another hard night....but I am encouraged! Thanks, Aylin
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Darby
09:00 PM on February 15, 2009
Thank you so much for having this site up with the great pictures! We have been trying to figure out how to use our bed and the crib together like this and the instructions are fantastic. We have had our 17 month old daughter with us most of the time. We have been putting her down in the crib and then in bed with us after she wakes for the first time at night and we have gone to bed. I usually have a hard time getting to sleep because I know she is going to wake up. We have been trying to find alternatives and this looks like it will be it! Its going to make night feeding a lot easier. I might even get to re-discover sleep! 
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Lish
01:01 PM on January 09, 2009
Star,
we used a regular, cheap crib from walmart..I haven't heard of anyone having troubles with a specific crib, some do prefer to use the type of crib that converts into a toddler bed because it was designed to be used with 3 sides but so far i haven't heard of troubles with standard cribs ( which we use).
As for leaving baby in the sidecar- we have not had our children roll in their sleep so far as to roll out of the sidecar- our only time where it became an issue is when they woke and were intentionally rolling, scooting, crawling etc which didn't happen until after 6 mos. then i stayed close by or used a baby monitor so i knew when they were awake and went to them right away. And as soon as i could i taught them how to get down safely (see FAQ link...) I have heard that some parents lay out newspaper on their bed for that exceptionally stealthy baby so they can hear if their little one was on the move...mine i could always hear over the baby monitor or if i was hanging out in my other sons' room without the monitor.
I hope this helps.
Congratulations on your baby!
we used a regular, cheap crib from walmart..I haven't heard of anyone having troubles with a specific crib, some do prefer to use the type of crib that converts into a toddler bed because it was designed to be used with 3 sides but so far i haven't heard of troubles with standard cribs ( which we use).
As for leaving baby in the sidecar- we have not had our children roll in their sleep so far as to roll out of the sidecar- our only time where it became an issue is when they woke and were intentionally rolling, scooting, crawling etc which didn't happen until after 6 mos. then i stayed close by or used a baby monitor so i knew when they were awake and went to them right away. And as soon as i could i taught them how to get down safely (see FAQ link...) I have heard that some parents lay out newspaper on their bed for that exceptionally stealthy baby so they can hear if their little one was on the move...mine i could always hear over the baby monitor or if i was hanging out in my other sons' room without the monitor.
I hope this helps.
Congratulations on your baby!
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Lish
12:35 PM on January 09, 2009
I apologize for not answering all your wonderful comments- we've been having some rather frustrating computer problems...i've actually attempted some responses only to have the computer freeze and my response disappear...i'll try again!
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Star
02:18 PM on January 05, 2009
Thank you so much for this! We ahve a few questions we cant find anyone to answer. Can any crib on the market today work for this? Is there a type you would recommend or stay away from by your experience? Our baby is coming in a few weeks and we are scrambling to prepare..... I am ordering a wool futon crib mattress also. Is there a way to prevent baby from rolling onto our bed if I lay her down and go intot he kitchen while she is asleep? I plan to babywear as much as possible but sometimes laying her down might be handy. Would love any tips or thoughts on this! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS WEBSITE!!!
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karen
03:21 PM on December 30, 2008
I love this sidecar idea I have dreamed of this concept so my hubby and I can have our space. I am relieved to see this can work in real life. thank you for posting a real life solution for us breastfeeding moms. Since I work I only spend 4 waking hours with my son...I love to be close with him. My son is very sensitive and needs lots of reassurance. Its nice to know there are other moms that feel the same way we do about cosleeping.
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Jordi
12:30 AM on November 10, 2008
Lish, Thank you for your description of how you created a side car with your crib...I have a 4 month old baby boy and have him in a bassinet which he is definately to big for...he sleeps with us after the first feeding...hopefully with your descriptions I can convince my husband to bring the crib into the bedroom.
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Sonja
02:21 PM on November 06, 2008
Hi! My little one is rapidly outgrowing the cosleeper and I'm happy to have found your pictures/description for "sidecarring." It's my dream-setup... I've been annoyed with the cosleeper for a while (it has a divider between me and baby... grrr!). I do have one question: Do you have your baby nap in there when you're not in the bed? I'm concerend my son might roll out of the crib, into the bed, and then off the bed during a nap. He's a rolly sleeper.
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Nicole
01:40 AM on October 28, 2008
Okay I just wrote you but it was really long so I erased it and will just put this:
I found your site and am nearly in tears because your pictures are exactly what I imagined and it works so beautifully. And because there are other people out there that want their babies as close as I do!! I love your site..It touched me and I wanted to thank you for it. Also I laughed so hard at "NAK".. again something I practice but didn't know there was a name for..
Finding your site is just another sign from God that I am listening to my heart and he approves of baby being close and not "in another room" or crying it out... Bless you and your kiddos and daddy too..
and big hugs from me who needed encouragement/direction and you gave it to me! :o)
I found your site and am nearly in tears because your pictures are exactly what I imagined and it works so beautifully. And because there are other people out there that want their babies as close as I do!! I love your site..It touched me and I wanted to thank you for it. Also I laughed so hard at "NAK".. again something I practice but didn't know there was a name for..
Finding your site is just another sign from God that I am listening to my heart and he approves of baby being close and not "in another room" or crying it out... Bless you and your kiddos and daddy too..
and big hugs from me who needed encouragement/direction and you gave it to me! :o)
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Spring
01:25 AM on October 18, 2008
This is a great site. I love the links you included esp to some of my favorite sites: Dr. Sears and Kellymom. Little Henry is now one and we have been c0-sleeping from the beginning. Now that he is getting bigger we are going to buy a crib and sidecar it so we can all stretch out a bit more. Thanks for the tips!
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R
09:30 PM on October 06, 2008
I am so glad I found your web site. Our son has slept with us since the day we brought him home (despite the frowns and comments we have received). We are currently expecting again and have been worried about sleeping arrangements. I found your page on sidecaring the crib and feel so much better now. Finally a little relief. Thanks so much!
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Elisabeth
09:47 PM on September 19, 2008
thank you, thank you, thank you, is all I can say. this site was wonderfully helpful in dealing with our co-sleeping issues and concerns.
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A
10:37 AM on August 29, 2008
This is fantastic. Thanks for posting this. You're helping a lot of families who were unable to co-sleep to now enjoy the benefits. Kudos!
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Katherine
05:01 PM on August 27, 2008
This was one of the most helpful sites online. I used this as a reference to set up my sidecar bed arrangement. Thank you so much for the thought and effort put into creating this content.
