Co Sleeping With Baby

Co sleeping with baby has been put under a negative light for a long time, parents have been told that this should not be done as it might cause suffocation, unhealthy dependency, marriage problems and poor sleeping patterns.

It’s really up to the parents whether they will allow co-sleeping to interrupt their sex lives… read more here on sex and breastfeeding.

Breastfed babies do wake more frequent at night than bottle fed babies, this is because breast milk is digested much faster than formula, but those frequent feedings are important and very necessary for baby’s development in the first few weeks. Co sleeping with baby can make things a whole lot easier for mom and dad during this time.

- Mom and baby can continue to doze while breastfeeding, as they can continue to lie down while breastfeeding at night…no need to switch on the light or get any bottles ready. This means better rest for mom and baby.

- A family bed gives mom, dad and baby a chance to spend time with each other especially if both parents work during the day.

- Putting baby to bed is no longer a battle

- It promotes even more bonding between mom and baby.

- It keeps baby calm and settled during and after feedings

- Studies prove that co sleeping with baby (child of up to a years age) will get him sleeping longer at a time, crying less and breastfeeding more (which is good for development )

- Increased independence and confidence in the child

- Increased breastfeeding equals increased milk supply and helps mom breastfeed on demand.

- Regular night feedings reduce breast engorgement.

- Skin to skin contact and sucking regulates baby’s breathing which reduced the incidence of cot death.

- Frequent feeding at night keeps your period away longer

Bed sharing also includes baby sleeping next to the bed in a co sleeping crib or baby basket that is close by. This will mean that mom is only an arm reach away. The bed on the right can be put next to mom on the bed or next to the bed on the floor.

If the below precautions are followed, co sleeping with baby can actually prevent SIDS since mom and baby are awake often, and mom can keep a better eye on baby.

Bed sharing safety precautions

- Baby must always be placed on his back when sleeping

- Older children should not be allowed in the bed at the same time as baby.

- Make sure there are no spaces around your bed or its frame into which baby can fall or become trapped.

- Make sure that if your bed has no frames that there are no walls or furniture nearby onto which baby could fall and hurt himself.

- Keep baby’s head uncovered

- Baby should be placed next to mom, not in-between mom and dad as dads are less aware of babies in the first few weeks.

- Never co-sleep on a waterbed or sofa.

- Don’t put any quilts, comforters, stuffed toys or pillows under baby or next to baby.

- Keep your bed away from strangulation hazards such as drapes or blinds.

- Use a firm, flat mattress.

- Mom’s hair should be tied up if it is very long.

Tips for sleeping co

- Swaddle baby for longer stretches of sleep

- Once baby is experienced with breastfeeding (anytime from 1-4 months) you can breastfeed while lying down, then mom doesn’t even have to sit up.

- If your bed is not safe or if you and your husband feel that bed sharing is not for you…you can put a crib or small baby bed right next to your own bed.

How to end co sleeping

Do it gradually…if baby is sleeping in your bed you can start putting him in a side bed at about six months, then from a year start moving his cot into a separate room. Sometimes this is not easy, but if you make the transition gradual, baby will be more likely not to give you too much trouble.

Night nursing can be really tiring, but parents need to remember that this is a short time to sacrifice and is essential for baby’s health and proper development. Treasure the memories and try to make the most of those special times together.

- Breastfeeding at night and night weaning

- Breastfeeding while lying down

- Sex and breastfeeding

- Reverse cycling

- Comfort nursing

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