Guide Note

Co-Sleeping is the practice of children sleeping in their parents' beds. Co-sleeping is also commonly referred to as bedsharing and the family bed. Co-sleeping has been practiced for many generations and is used by many different cultures. Co-sleeping is also used in attachment parenting.

There is considerable controversy over co-sleeping. The The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have put out warnings that a parent should not co-sleep with their children. They claim this puts the children at risk of suffocation and strangulation and even SIDS. On the other hand, many doctors and parents argue that if done safely, co-sleeping can benefit the parents and the children.

Fast Facts

1. Practiced all over world
2. Includes: bed-sharing, using co-sleepers
3. Never co-sleep when under the influence of any drugs (including alcohol), or when over tired
4. Can make bedtime a family event
5. Helps babies become independent
6. Can be accomplished with a bassinet beside bed
7. Safe co-sleeping encouraged to foster breastfeeding
8. Safe co-sleeping one of the tenets of attachment parenting
9. Smoking while co-sleeping increases the risk of infant death
10. Connection between co-sleeping and SIDS unclear

1. Convenient breastfeeding
2. Baby and mother on same sleep cycles
3. Baby falls asleep more easily
4. Develops a closeness with baby and parents
5. Babies stay awake for shorter periods during the night

1. Suffocation
2. SIDS
3. Problems with child falling asleep when not with parent, such as nap times
4. May not sleep well with a child in bed with you
5. Difficult transition to solo sleeping
6. Baby may have trouble sleeping when left at a sitter

1. Always place baby on their back
2. Always leave head uncovered
3. Be sure headboard and footboard are safe for baby
4. Make sure mattress fits snugly to frame
5. Don't place a baby on an adult bed alone
6. Don't drink or use medication that can prevent you from waking
7. Don't place the bed near drapes or cords where baby can become tangled

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning any Co-Sleeping program.