“When babies sleep with or near their parents, they are not being spoiled, they are being made to feel secure and accepted” - Dr Lendon Smith
Co-sleeping is a heated debate within the parenting world. You’re either for it or you aren’t. The main argument many use against co-sleeping with your baby is that it is not safe. This is to some extent true, in certain circumstances. However guidelines have been released on how to safely co-sleep with your baby to ensure you both reap the benefits of this practice that has spanned the centuries.
The Facts
There has been endless debate about the risks of co-sleeping, most of which concern Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some of these claims do hold some truth whilst others have been disproven. According to the Lullaby Trust and Bounty these are the facts surrounding co-sleeping:
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in your room for the first 6 months
Co-sleeping may be linked to SIDS when combined with the following factors:
If you or your partner smokes
If you or your partner are drunk or have taken drugs (including drugs that make you drowsy)
If your baby was premature or has a low birth weight less than 5 1/2 lbs / 2.5kg
If you are over tired
Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair due to risk of suffocation and accident.
It can be practiced safely if guidelines are followed.
The Benefits of Co-Sleeping
So if you do not meet any of the above risks then what are the benefits of co-sleeping? For many mums, especially those breastfeeding, co-sleeping can make night feeds easier for both mother and baby. There is less disturbance meaning it is easier for both to drift off to sleep again once feeding is finished. It is also stated that babies who sleep with or near their parents tend to be more content at night, waking and crying less due to feeling secure. Parents must remember that babies have spent nine months in the sanctuary of their mothers womb, listening to their heart beat and feeling their warmth. So the sudden shock of the outside world can be overwhelming, especially if they are placed in another room or away from their parents. Having your baby close also means that you can tend to them quickly if the need arises.
How to Co-Sleep Safely
If you decide co-sleeping may be for your family then there are guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your new baby.
Keep a clean sleep space. Both the Lullaby Trust and Bounty recommend keeping your baby away from bedding such as duvets.
Keep them cool by using sheets and blankets rather than duvets. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS.
Never give them a pillow and keep your pillows well away from them.
Make sure bedding doesn’t cover your babies head.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back, rather than their front or side.
Be aware of possible accident risks, such as gaps between the bed and mattress or wall.
Keep the room temperature between 16-20 degrees Celsius due to increased risk of SIDS caused by overheating.
Following these guidelines and using recommended products it is possible to co-sleep safely with your baby. For those not wishing to bed share but still wanting their babies close to them, there are options such as the Chicco Next 2 Me crib that allows a form of co-sleeping in that the baby sleeps in close proximity to the parents but on a separate surface next to the parents bed.
Our Co-Sleeping Recommendations
Prior to our daughter, Aria, being born we were adamant that whilst we didn’t want to risk her sleeping in our bed, we also didn’t want her too far away from us. After much research we invested in a Chicco Next 2 Me crib, and we can honestly say it was the best choice we ever made. At first Aria struggled to settle even when placed within the Chicco crib. Being away from us, even at less than arms reach, was simply too much for her and made her feel insecure. So we did the one thing we swore we would never do. We brought our tiny newborn baby into our bed with us, placing her safely between us away from any bedding, following all the recommended safety guidelines. Not only did this make Aria feel more secure, but she did indeed settle faster, sleep for longer periods of time and allowed us to respond to her much faster than if she had been further away. This was especially crucial during her ‘spit up phase’ where she was at increased risk of choking if we weren’t on hand straight away. Despite many claims that this would lead to separation issues, the reality was the complete opposite. Aria gradually grew more secure and as she grew in size, she decided that actually having her own space that was still next to us wasn’t quite so bad! She made the choice to start sleeping in her Next 2 Me crib. There was no stress, no fuss. Everything was on her terms. Aria is now 7 months old and has just moved into a cot bed, that we have positioned next to our bed where the Chicco Next 2 Me was, so that it forms a larger co-sleeper. Yes, we don’t have much space in our bedroom, but Aria is happy and when she is ready we are confident that she will happily move into her own room, but it is definitely not something we will be rushing her into. Through this practice we have a very happy, secure baby who knows we are there should she need us and we will certainly be following this practice when our second baby arrives in July.
What sleeping arrangements did you find worked best for your family? Do you agree with co-sleeping? I would love to hear your opinions!