Having a baby brings all sorts of controversial things into your life. Will you breast feed or bottle feed? Did you have a “natural” pregnancy or one with the help of pain medication. Do both parents work, or does one stay home? People have strong opinions on these topics. Then there are the sleeping arrangements. The decision on where your baby sleeps can not only be an issue of parenting choices, but one of safety as well.
You might be surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) actually recommends the practice of co-sleeping. But, before you jump for joy or shake your head (depending on where your opinions stand), please understand that the AAP may not define the term of co-sleeping the same way you might. While common usage refers to co-sleeping as sleeping with a child in the same bed, AAP makes a clear distinction between co-sleeping and bed sharing.
The definition of co-sleeping is an infant or child who sleeps in the same room or in close proximity of the parents. This can be arranged by having a safe crib, bassinet, infant “co-sleeper,” firm mattress or child’s bed that is dedicated specifically for the child to sleep in alone.
The definition of bed sharing, is just that. The infant or child sleeps in the same bed, couch or other surface where the parents sleep, and the baby and parents sleep in that bed at the same time.
The AAP does not recommend bed sharing for an infant. There is too much data to support the danger of having a baby, especially an infant, in the same bed. On the other hand, the AAP highly encourages co-sleeping in the same room. Co-sleeping, according to the AAP encourages breast feeding. Studies have shown that the risk of SIDS and other serious complications (such as a sick baby going into severe distress) can be reduced when families co-sleep.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don’t miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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