Sleeping with Baby
Tuesday April 27, 2004
Co-sleeping or the family bed as it's also known, is a way to share sleep with your baby. Many cultures use this practice to get more sleep. Can you co-sleep safely?
You certainly can! Here is a look at the safe practices for sleeping with your newborn baby. Sleeping with Baby
Comments
My husband, a former police officer, ADAMANTLY opposes co-sleeping due to the large number of infant deaths to which he was a witness. There are inherent risks to the practice, for every pillow, blanket, etc. is a potential suffocation hazzard. (Not to mention a particularly weary mommy or daddy who occasionally smothers his/her child unwittingly.) As a mom-to-be, I am looking into alternatives that keep the baby close, without the risk that I could inadvertenly harm my child.
Hey Amy,
Thanks for the comment. I’m also a former police officer and spent a lot of time researching SIDS after my nephew died, including going over hundreds of autopsies and parent interviews. It was not a pleasant task. I do believe that co-sleeping, if that is what you choose, can be done safely if you follow the guidelines. But I also believe that it is not for every family or every baby.
Here are some options on keeping baby as close as possible without co-sleeping:
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/newborns/tp/aatp110502a.htm
I’m sure you’re aware of the new AAP guidelines that babies should sleep close to mothers with items like bassinets, co-sleepers (my current fav), etc. Good luck with your new little one!
Robin