A Guide to Safe Co-Sleeping With a Baby

Where should baby sleep? It's of great controversy in America, although it isn't uncommon in many countries for babies to be brought into their parents' bed at night. Co-sleeping, or sleep sharing, is an alternative to a bassinet or a crib. But this isn't for everyone, as co-sleeping comes with a long list of safety precautions. However, when done safely, it can be a wonderful experience for both parents and infants.

SIDS is of great concern when speaking of a baby's sleep habits. It is the number one killer of children under the age of one and its cause is still a mystery to all. However, it has been established that certain environmental factors can reduce or increase the risk of SIDS greatly. When co-sleeping with a baby, the risk of SIDS or accidental smothering must be taken into consideration. While various studies conflict as to whether SIDS is more common in a co-sleeping environment, common sense should always be first priority.

The first safety precaution a parent should take while co-sleeping is to make sure baby is put to sleep on his back. (The same goes for a sleeping baby in any environment, be it a crib, bassinet, etc.) Also, one should make sure there are no pillows or blankets near the baby. A firm mattress is preferred and if both parents are sleeping in the bed, make sure it is at least a Queen or King size. It is preferable to put baby between mother and a wall or bedrail, not between mother and father. Make sure that there are no gaps between bed and wall or bed and headboard.

Why put baby by mother? For most parents, co-sleeping is also used in aid with breastfeeding. It is much easier to breastfeed while co-sleeping, as nursing babies need to eat more often. Even if the mother isn't nursing, it has been discovered that mother and baby seem to have an innate awareness of each other while they sleep. There is a sort of "Mommy Radar" that is being used. For some reason, fathers are more likely to be sleeping heavier and unaware of the baby's presence. It should be noted that co-sleeping with either parent should not be done if they are under the influence of any alcohol or sedating medications. There is also debate about whether or not a very overweight parent should co-sleep with a baby.

Co-sleeping isn't for everyone. It can cut down on alone time between mom and dad as well as make it harder to transition baby to his own bed. For some, this isn't much of a problem and the arrangement allows for much needed bonding between parents and baby. For working parents, co-sleeping can allow for a chance to catch up with each other. Provided the right safety precautions are followed and common sense is administered, there is no reason why co-sleeping can't be a sound option.