Parents And Babies Sleeping Together, Is This Safe For Babies? Posted By : Kat Goodman
The question of how safe it is for your baby to sleep in your bed with you has been debated for years. Those who are for having the baby in the bed claim it’s not only safe, but offers psychological benefits to both the baby and parents. The other side points out that having your baby sleep with you is dangerous.
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Rather than continue this argument, it is just safe to give tips on what ways it is safe for babies to sleep in their parent’s bed. One of the big issues is the fear of accidental death by suffocation, or crushing the child. There are some simple solutions to these problems.
The first and best solution is to get a larger bed, so that when baby does sleep with you there is plenty of room. It can be safe for babies to sleep with you, but you need to watch out for a few things. Don’t have the baby sleep in between you and another person. Rather, you should have the baby on the side with a barrier such as a wall to prevent a fall.
In most cases, it is not only safe for babies to sleep with their parents, but there are some benefits in doing so. If you are breast-feeding, it is easier to feed the child, and you won’t disturb your partner by getting up.
Another option that provides all the benefits of your baby sleeping with you is to use a sleeping basket. Set the basket next to the bed. This makes it simple to hold your baby until she falls off to sleep. Then transfer her to the basket. When the baby wakes up during the night, you can stay in bed and take care of her needs.
If your baby has health problems, it may be a good idea to have her sleep with you, or at the very least by you. The chances of a problem are much slimmer if you are within ear shot and arms reach.
There is definitely times when it isn’t safe for babies to sleep in the same bed as you, when you are sick for one. There is a good chance that you will be passing this sickness on. Being sick, stressed, or have been drinking alcohol, can dull your senses. When you are not as “sharp” as you should be, you are less likely be aware of any problems.
Using common sense will be the determining factor when deciding if it safe for babies to sleep with their parents. If parent’s sleeping routines are altered in anyway, stress, exhaustion or the like, these factors could effect the safety of your baby. If in doubt, use the crib.
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Having a Baby