Co-sleeping is when baby sleeps in the bed with it's parents. It can also refer to baby sleeping in it's own cot but in the same room as it's parents. It is not for everyone and for the most part, organisations like Plunket, don't recommend it at all. Indeed they actually advise against it because of the risks to baby. Too many babies have died from co-sleeping with their parents. Usually because the parents in question are not doing this safely.
However, co-sleeping with baby, when done safely, can actually be beneficial for both mother and baby. Co-sleeping allows breastfeeding mothers to feed baby during the night without either mother or baby losing too much sleep. Babies can feel the warmth from mummy and rest better. Babies can feel mummy breathing and remember to breath themselves. Mummy can become more intune to baby's needs through co-sleeping.
Other benefits can include an increase in self-esteem and emotional security from babies as they grow older.
As beneficial as co-sleeping is, it does need to be done correctly for safe results. Many of the deaths recorded from co-sleeping involve situations involving alcohol, smoking, drug influence and obesity, none of which are recommended for promoting a safe co-sleeping environment. Another case involved baby being propped up on a pillow on their tummy but slipping off it resulting in it's face being covered and blocking it's nose and mouth.
Way's to keep baby safe while co-sleeping:
- Keep baby's face clear! Make sure the blankets and pillows are not covering baby's face.
- Do not co-sleep if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Do not co-sleep if either you or your partner are smokers.
- Do not co-sleep if you are very obese.
- Do not co-sleep if you are very sleep deprived.
- Be aware of where your baby is sleeping at all times. (I do this by keeping an arm around baby so that I know where she is and as an indicator to hubby that baby is there.)
If mum or dad are involved in any of those circumstances that they shouldn't be in while co-sleeping, baby would be safer in their own cot rather than sleeping in bed with it's parents. Other options would include using a sleeping pod or a moses basket for baby to sleep in while in the bed or moving the cot with one side removed against the bed next to mummy.
Now for a little favour from you readers. Could you please click the picture below to vote for my blog on Top Mommy Blogs? Thanking you kindly!
