2 things to consider when negotiating custody for an infant

 Posted on May 21, 2021 in Child Custody

Relationships take a lot of hard work to keep them intact, and caring for a newborn is also time-consuming. The combination of these two factors can lead a couple to split up when their child is a mere infant.

If you’re in this position, there are two factors that you'll need to account for when deciding how to share custody of your baby with your ex.

Is your infant breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is beneficial for both moms and babies. Mastering appropriate latching, managing supply issues and getting a feeding schedule down pat takes most new mothers some time.

Most pediatricians recommend against weaning a baby off the breast and transferring to the use of bottles too quickly. These concerns may make arranging a schedule whereby you and your ex trade-off your infant every so many days isn't likely to work during your baby's earliest months of life.

Is your baby on a good sleep schedule?

Another detail that you're likely learning now that you're a new parent is that your child doesn't reliably sleep at night when you want to, nor do they remain asleep for very long once you do put them to bed. Babies may only sleep for small spurts of time initially as you manage to get their feeding schedule on track.

You can get your baby on a better schedule in time as you engage in sleep training, but this strategy doesn't work 100% of the time. It can be disruptive to your child's development if you rush to implement overnight stays too soon into the sleep training process.

What custody agreement might work best for your infant?

Many new parents benefit from initially making a visitation agreement whereby the child stays at the mother's home, and their ex visits their child for brief intervals. The parents then may broach the topic of a custodial trade-off agreement, including overnights once the child stops breastfeeding and is on a solid sleep schedule.

Custody is all about doing what's in your child's best interests. An attorney can help you ensure your custody arrangement champions that.