Co-sleeping
The social pressure to put baby in a crib can be strong for some of us. And yet it may not feel like the right thing to do or it just may not be working for you. Most pediatricians now recognize the first 3 months of a newborn’s life as the fourth trimester and recommend “rooming in” or sleeping in the same room as the baby.
The social pressure to put baby in a crib can be strong for some of us. And yet it may not feel like the right thing to do or it just may not be working for you. Most pediatricians now recognize the first 3 months of a newborn’s life as the fourth trimester and recommend “rooming in” or sleeping in the same room as the baby.
Benefits:
- Studies suggest that co-sleeping reduces the incidence of SIDS; the baby sleeping next to it’s parents is likely to breathe in carbon dioxide, a chemical stimulant to take the next breath.
-
The fetus in the womb has nourishment constantly on tap via the umbilical
cord, and a newborn baby weans themself very gradually from this
uninterrupted flow. they certainly do not differentiate between night and day
in their feeding requirements.
-
Breastfeeding is easier and everyone sleeps better. Moms do not have to wake
as fully when they are not leaving their room, and baby is cued to not stay
awake as well.
- Co-sleeping allows partners to bond with baby at night too.
Methods:
There are many ways that your newborn can sleep with you. There are co-
sleepers that butt directly against your bed, or inserts that set at the top of
your bed. You may also consider a basinet or a crib in your room. If space
allows, you could also add an extra twin bed next to your own mattress.
Whatever you decide, there are some precautions that you should take:
- Babies should not sleep on a pillow before the age of one.
- You should not cover the baby’s head as they need to regulate their own temperature.
- Baby’s sleeping space should be clear of blankets or pillows or toys.
- Baby’s sleeping surface should be firm, flat and not inclined.
- Babies should always sleep on their backs.
- Adults may need to sleep in a shirt to keep the covers low and away from baby.
- Parents or caregivers should not be intoxicated, ill, or medicated.
A recent article articulating the benefits of "breast sleeping" explains the benefits of co-sleeping for the breastfeeding parent further.
