I have always been under the impression that sleeping with baby is dangerous, and should never be done. After further reviews of scientific studies of co-sleeping with baby, I have come to the conclusion that there is a safe way to sleep with baby and it may actually be a good thing for the reduction of SIDS. The question shouldn't be "is it safe to sleep with my baby?", but rather "how can I sleep with my baby safely."
- Use an Arms Reach Co-Sleeper to sleep with baby. This bassinet is a great invention. It allows the baby to sleep alongside Mom or Dad without actually being in the same bed as Mom and Dad. This is a safer alternative for baby, because the co-sleeper is enclosed in mesh, and provides a firm mattress for baby to lie on. Baby’s can easily smother on soft mattresses, water beds, or get caught between a headboard and mattress. Another bassinet that offers similar protection is the Simplicity Easy Reach bassinet. It is equipped with all the gadgets parents love in a bassinet but offers better protection than a family bed, and allows the parents to bond with baby.
- If you are going to place baby on a mattress be sure to do so on a Queen or King size mattress. Place the baby next to Mom and a mesh guardrail or between Mom and a wall. Fathers sometimes are not sensitive to baby’s presence while sleeping and can roll over onto baby.
- Always place baby on their back to sleep. Baby’s who can not lift their heads can get their faces caught under pillows, parent’s arms or between a mattress and a headboard. Placing baby on his back will prevent these accidents from happening.
DO NOT SLEEP WITH BABY IF:
- You are obese
- You are taking drugs and alcohol
- You are suffering from sleep deprivation
- You are the child’s babysitter
- You are breastfeeding baby on a soft surface
Common sense can save a baby’s life.
- Do not use lingerie with long strings or straps that can tangle around baby
- Do not wear jewelry that can wrap around baby’s neck
- Do not wear heavy perfume, hairspray or cologne that clogs baby’s airway
- Do not sleep with baby on a couch or chair. Baby can become entrapped
- Do not allow baby to sleep on a waterbed…ever, it is too soft
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Do not allow an older child to sleep with a baby under 9 months
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