Co-Sleeping With Your Infant

What to make of what you hear

Many parents opt to share a bed with their newborn baby for a variety of reasons. Some parents simply want to keep their infant close by, while others might prefer it because it makes caring for their infant at night easier. Experts have debated both sides of this topic. Those who favor co-sleeping believe that it encourages breastfeeding and increases attachment between an infant and parent. Those against co-sleeping cite safety reasons such as the increased possibility of a baby rolling off the bed or being suffocated. In the end, deciding whether or not to put your baby to sleep in your bed is based on your personal preference. However, regardless of where your infant sleeps, there are several safety guidelines you should keep in mind when putting her to bed.

Tips for putting an infant safely to sleep

• Babies should be put to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Whether putting your infant down in a crib or a bed, make sure the mattress fits tightly against the frame so she cannot get trapped in between.

• Place your infant between yourself and the edge of the bed, rather than between you and another parent. Consider using a mesh guardrail with a blanket or towel in the open space between the rail and the bed.

• Never leave your sleeping infant on an adult bed unattended.

• Avoid putting your infant to sleep with siblings, babysitters, or anyone other than yourself.

• Sleeping babies should not be placed on beanbags, waterbeds, or sofas, alone or with an adult.

• Don’t over-bundle your infant if she is sleeping with you, because she will get warmth from your body and could become overheated.

• Babies should not sleep with pillows, comforters, and quilts. Rather, they should be dressed warmly and/or wrapped in a light blanket, and their head should be left uncovered.

• If you have long hair, tie it back when your infant is in the bed with you.

• Make sure the bed where your infant is sleeping is not near any blinds with cords.

Whether your baby is in a crib or in your bed, try to be alert to and aware of her presence. However, this does not mean you should not go to sleep! You may be afraid that you will not hear her if she cries, but usually, parents just naturally become attuned to their newborns. You can use a baby monitor if you are away from her or even if you think you might not hear her. You need your sleep just as much as your baby needs hers, so try to sleep when she sleeps. If you are overly exhausted from sleep deprivation, ask for help. Last but not least, do not consume alcohol, drugs or medications that could prevent you from waking, especially if your baby is sleeping in your bed with you.