Congratulations! You’ve brought your newborn home and you are prepared for absolutely everything, including your little angel’s sleeping arrangements. But, your family have been playing musical beds in the crazy first few weeks since his arrival, and you are exhausted!
If you were a baby, where would you like to sleep? In a crib alone in a dark room behind bars, or close to your favourite person, secure, warm and right there? Easy one, right? So, should you consider co-sleeping?
The American Academy of Paediatrics says never, ever while the World Health Organization gives the thumbs up. So, who should we believe? All major research agree that room sharing arrangements are beneficial and may even reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by half, but there is no consensus when it comes to bed sharing though.
Co-sleeping essentially means sleeping in close proximity to your baby. It may be in the same bed, a sidecar arrangement, or different beds in the same room. When it comes to sharing a room – or a bed – with your baby there are many opinions, so let’s look at the pros and cons of co-sleeping:
Pros:
Cons:
The bottom line is that many parents sleep with their babies. In fact, it is the cultural norm for 90% of the world’s population. The question shouldn’t be “Is it safe to sleep with my baby?” but rather “How can I sleep with my baby safely?”
For parents, the decision to co-sleep or to bed-share with a child is a personal one. Ultimately put safety first and decide what works best for your family’s needs and structure.
Whatever you choose, hope you have a good night’s sleep!
Source: community.babycenter.com, www.livescience.com, www.todaysparent.com, www.thebump.com, www.sheknows.com, www.parent24.com, minnesota.cbslocal.com, www.goodtherapy.org, www.whattoexpect.com, blogmountainbaby.com, www.foxnews.com, www.lavenderandmacarons.com, obfsaleblog.com, blog.nurtery.com, www.mommypotamus.com, kellymom.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.