Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep With You?

March 14, 2010 | By andrew In baby |
The debate whether or not it is safe for babies to sleep with you has gone on for years. On the one hand some say that not only is it safe for the child, it actually has psychological benefits for both child and parents. Others would be quick to point out the many dangers that are present when the baby sleeps in the same bed with you.

Instead of picking one side of the argument, perhaps it is best to make it safer for your baby in your bed, if this is what you have chosen to do. The biggest fears when sleeping with a baby are crushing the baby, or suffocating her. A few precautions can decrease this risk greatly.

The first thing to do is to make sure your bed is large enough for you and your baby. A king or queen size bed should do. When sleeping with a baby, follow this guideline. Never have the infant sleep in between you and your partner. It is ideal to put baby on the side, with a barrier between the wall and yourself to keep the infant from rolling off.

In most instances, it can be safe for your baby to sleep with you. It also has it’s benefits. If breastfeeding, it makes it easier to feed your baby. You don’t have to disrupt your partner, you can simply let her nurse while you stay semi-asleep.

Another good idea in having all the benefits without some of the obvious privacy issues is using a sleeping basket. Set this beside the bed. You can hold the child until she falls asleep, then transfer her to the basket. When she wakes in the night, you won’t have to get completely out of bed to care for her.

If concerned about health problems, having your baby sleep with you can be a benefit. Or at the very least, near you. When your baby is within arm’s reach, chances of problems are greatly reduced.

There are certain situations that should be avoided when sleeping with your baby. Parents who are ill should reconsider, you may transfer your illness to your baby. After consuming alcohol, the senses also begin to dull, if there is a problem, you may not be aware enough to recognize it.

When deciding if it’s safe for babies to sleep with their parents, common sense should dictate your decision. If your baby regularly sleeps with you, and your bedtime routine becomes altered due to exhaustion, stress, illness, etc., these can effect the safety of your baby. If you feel that you are not as alert as you should be, don’t risk it, use the crib.

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