The Do’s and Don’ts of Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is a parenting style that involves sleeping with your baby in the same bed. While it can be a safe and beneficial practice for some, there are many parents who may be unsure about co-sleeping. Fortunately, understanding the proper do’s and don’ts of co-sleeping can help ensure that baby and parents stay safe during sleep.

Co-sleeping can have plenty of benefits which can help make for happy, healthy children and parents. Benefits can include better sleep for the baby, more secure attachment, support for breastfeeding, and better sleep for parents too. While co-sleeping can be a great option for some, it’s important to be mindful of the correct practices to make sure baby and parents are safe.

Being aware of the do’s and don’ts of co-sleeping is essential for parents who are considering or already participating in the practice. From practicing safe sleeping surfaces to the right environment, understanding the do’s and don’ts of co-sleeping can help make the practice beneficial for the whole family.

The Do’s of Co-Sleeping

One of the most important dos of co-sleeping is to create a safe sleeping surface. Choosing a safe sleeping environment that meets current safety standards is essential. Placing the mattress on the floor and removing items from the bed that a baby can become tangled in, like pillows or extra blankets, is the best way to reduce the risk of injury or death.

Another do of co-sleeping is to ensure that both the baby and the parents are comfortable. Co-sleeping can be beneficial when it’s safe and comfortable for everyone involved. This means making sure that the bed is the right size for baby and parents, that the bedding is appropriate for the baby’s age, and that parents have enough space to move around without disturbing the baby.

Important Safety Tips to Follow

There are some important safety tips to remember when co-sleeping. Making sure that the baby is not placed on any soft surfaces or on a couch or armchair is important, as this can raise the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, make sure that the baby is on their back when tucked into bed. Lastly, be sure that the baby is always supervised while sleeping, even if the baby is sleeping with a parent or other adult.

It’s also important for parents to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol and drug use. If either parent has consumed either of these substances, they should not sleep in the same bed as the child. After all, it’s often hard to know the long-term implications of engaging in this type of behavior, and it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.

It’s also important to be aware of any medical conditions that the baby may have, such as reflux or sleep apnea. If you think your baby may have a condition such as reflux or sleep apnea, it’s best to talk to your pediatrician before co-sleeping.

The Don’ts of Co-Sleeping

• Don’t sleep with a baby if you are excessively tired
• Don’t co-sleep if you use drugs or alcohol
• Don’t dress your baby too warmly
• Don’t share a bed if either parent smokes
• Don’t sleep with a baby if you have been drinking

Conclusion

Co-sleeping can be a beneficial parenting style for some families. However, it’s important to remember the do’s and don’ts of co-sleeping so that you can make sure you and your baby are safe. By following these tips, you can be sure that your family is getting the restful sleep everyone needs.