Co-sleeping is often confused with bed sharing.
As a definition, co-sleeping is defined as the infant sleeping in the same room as the parent.
Bed sharing is defined as the parent and infant sharing the same sleep surface such as a mattress or bed.
It is an individual choice as to what you do in regard to sleep and your baby.
Some of the common arguments against co-sleeping include:
Baby learns to be dependent on a parent and will not be able to sleep on their own even as they mature into young children.
Parent does not get therapeutic sleep.
Partner sleeping in another bed due to disturbed sleep, thus causing relationship difficulties.
Baby is more noisy at night and parents have disturbed sleep.
Other children feeling left out or jealous with new baby sleeping in parents room.
Some arguments in favour of co-sleeping include.
Baby is more settled at night and sleeps better due to close proximity of parent.
Parent has less disturbed sleep in that they do not have to go far to respond to infants' needs during the night.
Breastfeeding is enhanced due to close proximity to breast.
Infant-parent bonding is enhanced with close proximity and prompt response enabling infant to learn trust.
Reduced incidence of SIDs
Commonly co-sleeping is promoted for the first 6-12 months of your baby's life.
The guidelines include:
Sleeping your baby on their back
Ensure the surface your baby is sleeping on is firm. No sagging mattress, couch, bean bag.
Ensure the bedding and clothing is unable to cover your baby's face.
Ensure your baby is not sharing a sleep space with soft toys, pets or other children.
Do not push the mattress /sleep surface against the wall where there is a risk that your baby may roll between it and the wall. Babies have suffocated this way.
If you do choose to share a sleep surface with your baby the following guidelines are encouraged.
If you are taking drugs that make you drowsy at all both prescribed, over the counter (including alcohol) or illicit- Do not share a sleep surface with your baby. This is because you may not be alert enough to respond to your baby and ensure they are kept in a safe place with you. This includes the risk of rolling on them, your baby rolling off the sleep surface, or under bedclothes.
Also if you are a very deep or restless sleeper it is also discouraged to share a sleep surface with your baby for the same reasons as above. If you are a smoker it is also discouraged because of the toxins on your breath.
Ensure your baby is always on the outside of the bed and not between you and your partner. If one person is solely responsible for your baby that person is more likely to respond to your baby and ensure their safety. If you both take responsibility the risk is that you both could subconsciously think oh it's ok, my partner is aware and will respond to our baby- I don't need to check on him/her.
Ensure your baby has their own bedding. Do not put them under your bedding because of the risk of them suffocating.
Do not wrap or swaddle your baby so arm and leg movement is not restricted. A sleep bag for infants may work better or their own blankets with warm clothing.
Of interest is that primitive cultures often will share a bed surface with young babies. They instinctively employ the majority of guidelines outlined above.
Where your baby sleeps for both day and night sleep is an individual choice. Some parents feel that co-sleeping is not for them for different reasons. If you are concerned or confused with the options available to you find someone with expertise in this area to run your thoughts by.
Leisa Breed has been assisting and supporting women and families in caring for their newborns and up till the age of 4 years since 1993. She is a registered nurse, midwife, child health nurse and lactation consultant.
She has a successful home visiting consulting business assisting families in all aspects of newborn and toddler care. She is based in the beautiful area of Brisbane's bayside suburb of Redland Bay. To find out more visit http://www.insyncwithinfants.com
©Leisa Breed- Insync with infants
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