Parents And Babies Sleeping Together, Is This Safe For Babies?
The debate is ongoing over whether you should let your baby sleep with you or in their own bed. Some say that it is not just safe, but also offers psychological benefits to the child and parents
Instead of picking one side of the argument, perhaps it is best to make it safer for your baby in your bed, if this is what you have chosen to do. The biggest fears when sleeping with a baby are crushing the baby, or suffocating her. A few precautions can decrease this risk greatly.
The first thing to do is to make sure your bed is large enough for you and your baby. A king or queen size bed should do. When sleeping with a baby, follow this guideline. Never have the infant sleep in between you and your partner. It is ideal to put baby on the side, with a barrier between the wall and yourself to keep the infant from rolling off.
In most instances, it can be safe for your baby to sleep with you. It also has it’s benefits. If breastfeeding, it makes it easier to feed your baby. You don’t have to disrupt your partner, you can simply let her nurse while you stay semi-asleep.
For parents wanting the benefit of the baby sleeping in the room while still having some privacy, consider using a sleeping basket. With a sleeping basket next to the bed, you can hold the baby to sleep, then placing them immediately next to you in the basket. If the baby wakes up during the night, you are right there to accommodate her needs.
Some babies may experience health problems. In this case, it may be a good idea to have your baby sleep with you ; or at least in the same room. This will allow you to be within arm’s reach if there were to be a problem during the night.
There is definitely times when it isn’t safe for babies to sleep in the same bed as you, when you are sick for one. There is a good chance that you will be passing this sickness on. Being sick, stressed, or have been drinking alcohol, can dull your senses. When you are not as “sharp” as you should be, you are less likely be aware of any problems.
When deciding if it’s safe for babies to sleep with their parents, common sense should dictate your decision. If your baby regularly sleeps with you, and your bedtime routine becomes altered due to exhaustion, stress, illness, etc., these can effect the safety of your baby. If you feel that you are not as alert as you should be, don’t risk it, use the crib.
