The Do’s and Don’ts of co sleeping with your baby.

Sleeping with your baby seems like the most natural thing in the world but is it safe?

It is an issue that raises very strong opinions in experts and parents alike, so be warned if you choose to co sleep be prepared for every one to tell you exactly what they think.There is so much conflicting advice out there, experts are divided and the good old Media runs headlines to make your hair stand on end, often misquoting latest research.

In many Countries co sleeping is simply a way of life, a necessity and not an issue at all. So why in the West are we made to feel like bad parents if we consider it?

Mostly the reason is because people argue against it saying it isn’t safe, that a baby can be smothered accidentally as a parent may roll on the baby. The truth is if parents follow firm safety guidelines this is highly unlikely. The decision to co sleep should be the parents and theirs alone.

Some reports of studies into cot death have reported alarming figures of up to 54% of babies dying whilst co sleeping.The authors of such reports are quick to point out that these figures are only accurate when you realise other factors are involved such as the parents having consumed alcohol, drugs or are Smokers.

Many studies show co sleeping breast fed babies do wake more often for feeds, the nearness of that tempting milk, but are better at settling themselves back to sleep. The Mother therefore gets a better quality of sleep compared to getting out of bed into the cold, lifting her baby out of bed, feeding and then attempting to settle them.

Others point out that a co sleeping baby may be difficult to transfer into their own bed later on as it becomes necessary. This sounds like a very insecure little person but studies show co sleepers to be exactly the opposite. The point is the decision to co sleep is entirely personal and hopefully one you will have made after careful consideration.
The important thing to consider is your lifestyle and to be honest. Do you plan to

• drink alcohol
• smoke
• take prescription tranquilizers or
• recreational drugs?

If the answer to any of these is yes then co sleeping is not an option.

The affect of alcohol and drugs is they dull your awareness and this is vital when sharing your bed with your baby.

Smoke clings to clothes and is identified as a factor in cot deaths.

Mothers who co sleep are usually so attuned to their baby they are highly unlikely to roll onto them. Their partners are not always this sensitive, although they do become so. Babies are advised to sleep either between their Mother and a bed guard or between their Mother and the wall. If either of you are fitful active sleepers then co sleeping shouldn’t be considered.

Another consideration is the affect a baby in bed may have on your love life, some find a co sleeper in the bed means intimacy goes out the window! This can add strain to a relationship, so consider carefully.

Here are the main Do’s and Dont’s.

Don’t co sleep if:-

 

1. You are a fitful active sleeper.
2. You have drunk alcohol, taken drugs or smoke.
3. You are sleep deprived as your awareness may be compromised.
4. You are Obese as smothering is an issue.
5. You have a waterbed as baby can suffocate.
6. You are the babysitter, the awareness is not the same as a parent.
7. You use a cushion to feed baby on as you may fall asleep and baby may fall or be smothered.

And DON’T allow baby to become overheated, consider your bedding.

Do co sleep if:

 

1. You have a large enough bed, Queen or Kingsize.
2. You place baby next to Mother and wall or bed guard. NOT between parents.
3. You place baby on their back to the bed.

 

Do consider a bedside crib, as some babies simply sleep better alone. You can keep baby near but still in their crib.

Do enjoy your baby, as they grow so quickly!