Cosleeping may be frowned upon by some of the more traditional pediatricians, however it can be done safely and has many benefits to both mom and baby.
Many parents are reluctant to cosleep with their baby or share a family bed out of the fear of their baby being rolled on or suffocating in the blankets. Many parents who enjoy a family bed may argue that cosleeping with their infant actually puts them more in tune with their baby's needs and is safer than having their baby sleep in a crib by herself. Cosleeping can be done safely, if a few basic safety rules are followed and it can be an excellent way to bond with a new baby and get a little extra sleep, especially if your baby wakes up frequently during the night to breastfeed.
Avoid Bulky Blankets
Remove any bulky blankets or comforters from your bed before cosleeping with your baby. Large blankets have the potential to cover your infant’s face during the night and make it difficult for your baby to breath. Stick to light weight, flat blankets, preferably ones that allow some air to get through and keep them away from your infant’s face while you are sleeping.
Avoid Medication
Put your baby in the crib for the night if you need to take any type of medication, even if it claims it will not make you drowsy. Many medications can cause you to go into a very deep sleep which could make it difficult to awake if your baby needed you.
Never Cosleep When You Are Overly Tired
If you are exceptionally tired, it is a good idea to have your infant sleep in the crib for the night. Being overly tired may limit your awareness of your baby in the bed and make it possible for you to roll on your infant in the night.
Consider A Bedside Cosleeper
If you are uncomfortable having your baby in the bed with you, there are many bedside cosleepers that allow you to keep your infant easily within your reach while maintaining her own sleeping space separate from the adults in the bed.
Mothers Instincts
Mothers have an innate ability to sense their baby and tune into their sounds. As a new mother, the smallest sound your baby makes will often wake you. Fathers do not have this same ability, as many mothers who have tried to wake their husbands in the middle of the night have probably realized. It is important to keep a cosleeping baby between the mother and the wall or bedrail or to sleep in a large enough bed that there is plenty of space between the infant and his father. If a mother, for any reason, finds that she is not waking up to anything but her infant’s cries, it may be best to consider a cosleeper next to the bed or a crib.
