Sleeping with a newborn is still a controversial topic of debate. Experts and parents each explained the reasons why they agreed and opposed it. If you choose to sleep in the same bed as your baby, do as much information as possible about the safest method before doing so. Note that “sleeping together” can mean sleeping in the same bed or in the same room (baby sleeping in a cot or crib), and experts tend to agree on the latter arrangement. This article focuses on sleeping with your baby in the same bed.
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Part 1 of 5: Considering the Risks
Step 1. Know that most experts don't recommend co-sleeping with babies
Many studies show that sleeping with a baby increases the risk of injury, suffocation, death from other causes, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to understand that there is no 100% surefire way to minimize these risks, even if you try to work around it in such a way as to be as safe as possible.
Most pediatricians recommend that babies sleep in the same room, not in the same bed
Step 2. Talk to your pediatrician to get an explanation of the pros and cons of sleeping with your baby
Many pediatricians do not approve of sleeping with newborns in the same bed. Some doctors hold firmly to the belief that co-sleeping is beneficial for both parents and infants, and therefore supports the practice. Others may not respond enthusiastically and may advise against it.
Whatever your doctor's personal opinion, ask him to explain the facts about the pros and cons of sleeping with a newborn and ask if there are any special tips for you to do it safely
Step 3. Do research on this subject
The Internet offers a wealth of information about co-sleeping with babies, some written based on guesswork, false assumptions, and fabrications. Look for research on the topic that is both official and scientifically based.
- United States pediatric associations and hospital websites often offer good parenting information.
- Visit the library for scientific resources on co-sleeping practices. Check the parenting section and collect books written by various sources. In addition to medical books, look for books written by mothers, who often write about their own personal experiences.
Step 4. Understand that some parents may not be able to sleep well with a newborn in their cot, while others may not be able to sleep if the baby is not sleeping with them
While many parents feel comfortable sleeping with their baby, and thus get a better quality of sleep, some parents are nervous about sharing a bed with their baby. The fear that they will injure the baby keeps parents from sleeping well.
In addition, many parents are so connected to their baby's every movement that they will wake up even if the baby just makes a soft whimper
Step 5. Consider weaning
If you take your newborn to bed with you, you will eventually have to wean him off and stop his dependence on you, which is difficult for the baby.
Part 2 of 5: Considering the Benefits
Step 1. Know that the baby may feel comfortable because it feels protected from the parent sleeping next to him
Therefore, he would most likely sleep more soundly throughout the night.
Many newborns go through a difficult time regulating their sleep cycle, and in the early postpartum period, many parents find their baby awake at night and fast asleep during the day. Co-sleeping with babies can be an effective way for parents to help regulate their baby's sleep/wake cycle
Step 2. Consider whether you can sleep longer if your baby sleeps beside you
Both parents are likely to experience complete exhaustion after their baby is born. They have to get up many times throughout the night to deal with a crying baby and that will only exacerbate the dilemma.
If your newborn sleeps with you, it means you don't have to jump out of bed and grope in the dark to deal with a crying baby
Step 3. Think about whether you would find it easier to feed your baby at night
Consider how easy it is for a new mom to fall back asleep and get some much-needed rest if she's lying next to a nursing baby in the early hours of the morning.
Breastfed babies may need to be fed every 1.5 hours. If you just need to change positions and offer your chest to a hungry baby, it's a lot easier than jumping out of bed every two hours to attend to baby's needs
Step 4. Consider the emotional benefits that sleeping with you can offer your newborn
Your baby may feel safer if he lies next to you while he sleeps. Thus, the baby's stress level will be lower than if he was put to sleep in the crib.
Step 5. Research the impact and long-term benefits of sleeping with parents on babies
Although it is not yet widely accepted, many doctors and mental health professionals believe that babies who sleep with their parents can grow up to be children with higher self-confidence and greater self-esteem than babies who never sleep with their parents.
Part 3 of 5: Knowing When Not to Sleep With Your Baby
Step 1. Never sleep with your baby if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Your sleep quality may be affected and awareness of the baby beside you may be minimal.
Step 2. Try not to sleep with the newborn if you or anyone else in the household smokes
A higher risk of SIDS has been associated with smoking parents.
Step 3. Do not allow children or toddlers to sleep with the newborn
While sleeping, children may not immediately notice that there is a baby beside them. Even a toddler runs the risk of causing the baby to suffocate if he rolls over and accidentally snuggles the baby while sleeping.
Step 4. Do not let the baby sleep in the bed alone
Infants should not sleep in adult cots unsupervised. Even the tiniest baby can squirm until they reach the edge of the bed and fall or suffocate from the soft sheets, pillows or blankets.
Step 5. Don't sleep next to your baby if you're very tired from lack of sleep
Deep sleep can prevent you from being easily awakened by the baby's movements.
Only you know how connected you are to your baby throughout the night and whether or not you are a person who wakes up easily or not easily during sleep. If you doubt your ability to maintain awareness that a baby is sleeping beside you all night, it's best not to sleep with the baby
Step 6. Do not sleep with your baby if you are very obese, especially if you have sleep apnea
Obesity is associated with sleep apnea, so it can increase your risk of smothering your baby during periods of restless sleep.
Part 4 of 5: Preparing the Room
Step 1. Protect the sleeping area first
Consider making the entire room a baby area for your newborn and make the necessary changes for the safety of the baby.
If the bed is near a window, make sure you wash the curtains to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated. If the bed is under a ceiling vent, consider moving it to another area of the room so that your baby won't be exposed to direct wind blasts while sleeping
Step 2. Prepare the bed
Before placing the baby on the bed, you must make the necessary changes to ensure the safety and comfort of the baby. You are the one who has to adjust the sleep pattern.
- Consider the size of the bed. Is the bed big enough for parents and baby to sleep comfortably? Forcing a baby to be tucked away in a cot with parents when the bed is not big enough to accommodate everyone is dangerous.
- It is recommended to use a firm mattress for the safety of the baby. Newborns are prone to SIDS, and one of the factors believed to be the cause is reduced free air circulation. A mattress that is too soft can create pockets that can trap air when your baby exhales, causing him to inhale the air again instead of breathing in fresh oxygen.
- Never let a baby sleep on a waterbed.
- Buy sheets that fit the mattress. Sheets should always be securely attached to the mattress to prevent wrinkling. Make sure the corners of the sheets can be attached tightly without the possibility of falling off. Also consider the quality of the sheets, as rough sheets can irritate a baby's sensitive skin.
- Consider removing the headboard or footboard as there is always the possibility, however slight, that they could trap the baby.
- Make sure the blanket you use only covers your body during sleep. Avoid large blankets (comforters), or other bedding that can easily trap the baby or drown out the sound of the baby's crying. The best course of action might be wearing more layers of clothing and not using a blanket at all.
Step 3. Place the bed in the right location
Again, make the necessary changes and adaptations in an effort to prioritize the safety of the baby.
- Lower the bed position or just move the mattress on the floor. Accidents can happen, and it's the easiest way to prevent your baby from falling out of bed and getting hurt.
- Push the bed against the wall in an effort to prevent the baby from falling out of the bed. If there is a gap between the bed and the wall, roll the blanket or towel into a tight roll and tuck it in to cover the gap tightly.
- Consider buying a safety fence that is designed to prevent your baby from rolling over and falling out of bed. Do not use safety fences designed for larger toddlers as there is still a risk of harm to tiny newborns.
- Place a very soft floor rug or yoga mat along the edge of the bed to help minimize injury should the baby fall.
- Research the area around the bed. Make sure there are no curtains or rigging that could pose a risk of entangling the baby. Check if there is an outlet near the bed. Consider covering the entire surface of the outlet with a safety cap.
Part 5 of 5: Using Sleep Precautions
Step 1. Check again to make sure that the bed environment is safe
Remove decorative pillows, dolls, or extra pillows from the bed. Only items that are absolutely necessary for the safety and comfort of sleep should be on the bed.
Step 2. Consider placing the baby between the mother and a protected surface such as a wall or safety fence
Mothers are generally better instinctively aware of the presence of the baby beside them during sleep. This arrangement is better than placing the baby between the parents.
Step 3. Lay the baby on his back while sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS
The “Best Back” campaign dwindled significantly once SIDS cases subsided over the past few years.
Step 4. Don't cover baby's head with anything while he sleeps
Never put a sleeping cap on a baby, which could be pulled over his face. Also be aware of the presence of blankets, pillows and other objects that can cover his face. The baby can't get rid of the obstruction to breathing.
Step 5. Do not wrap (swaddle) the baby excessively
Keep in mind that babies may need fewer layers of clothing because body heat can be transferred from one person to another. To keep warm, babies need less body covering than adults.
Step 6. Remove potential harm or disturbance from the body
In short, the fewer barriers between your baby and you, the better. It also makes it easier for you to breastfeed and makes it easier to bond with your baby.
- Wear clothes that don't have ribbons, ties, or strings that might wrap your baby while you sleep. Necklaces or other jewelry can also potentially harm the baby, so act wisely.
- Avoid using scented lotions, deodorants or hair products that can disguise your mother's natural odor. Babies will instinctively be attracted to your natural smell. In addition, the above products can cause irritation to the baby's very small nasal cavity.
