The 5 S’s Checklist of Co-Sleeping – Feng Shui For the Happiest Baby and Family on the Block

No space for a nursery? No problem. In today’s times when saving space means saving money, there is a viable option: share the same bed with your new addition. In many Asian families even today, newborns share the same bed as their parents. Plus, single parents save money and forego the crib idea. Even one single mom I know who has a crib simply prefers her two-year-old son to sleep in the same bed for company. Also, co-sleeping may lead to a treasure trove of family time as one art educator I know shared that she grew up as 1 of 3 kids in the same bed as Papa and Mama while Papa read bedtime stories aloud before they all went to bed. Only you will know what is best for your situation.

If you do determine to co-sleep, then follow these 5 S’s. You will not only have a great space-saving and money-saving situation. You will also draw on the ancient principles of feng shui to maximize energy flow and efficiency, you will get practical detailed know-how in the checklist below, and indeed have the happiest baby and family on the block!

1. SURVEY the room or area you designate for sleep.

~Where is the door?

~Where is the window?

~Where are the heat and air conditioning vents?

~Where are the electrical outlets?

~Where are the plug-in electronic gadgets?

ACTION: Feng shui for the baby is about protection. Do your best to keep baby (and your bed) furthest away from all the above features.

2. Create SAFE SPACE for yourself, your baby, and your partner.

~What is the most protected position in the bed?

~Who tends to run hot or run cold during sleep?

~Who can best take care of baby?

ACTION: Feng shui is about convenience, also known as the ease of energy flow. Usually, the center of the bed is the most protected position for babies. This way, both parents can take care of the baby for diaper changes and feedings. Ensure baby lays flat on back and has own blanket. Create rolled up towels as barriers between you and baby so that baby does not get squashed. Employ the use of natural breathable linens to discourage lint from forming. Position the person who tends to run hot closest to the door. Ensure diaper changing table is closest to the person who has the night shift for diaper changes and feedings.

3. Heighten the quality of your SLEEP.

~Who is a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper?

ACTION: Feng shui is about restful sleep. If you are a light sleeper, employ the use of ear plugs. If you are a heavy sleeper, position baby closer to you than your partner. The baby’s cries will awaken you in time for your night shift.

4. Employ the use of SILENCE.

~Do you tend to talk or sing to your baby to soothe him or her when he or she wakes up during the night?

ACTION: Feng shui energy at night is supposed to be as still and quiet as possible, as energy also has its cycles. Stop talking or singing to your baby when he or she awakens during the night. This will help your baby go back to sleep really quickly. If baby finds it difficult to go back to bed, then hold him or her and pat him or her on the back. if this still does not work, then get out of bed to continue holding him or her and walk around. Then place him or her back in bed.

5. Most importantly, SWITCH it up!

~Do you tend to always sleep on one side of the bed?

~Does baby tend to turn to one side, be cradled, or be fed predominantly from one side?

~Does baby’s neck tend to tilt to one angle when sitting, laying or standing upright?

ACTION: Feng shui is about energy balance, which can reflect through our musculature. If there are any imbalances that develop, it can be that baby got too used to turning to one side during the night. So make sure you switch it up so you, your baby, and your mate do not develop any chronic muscular and energetic imbalances.

Enjoy the benefits and let me know how these tips work for you!