Co-sleeping, a practice where parents and infants sleep in close proximity, has been a subject of extensive research and debate among healthcare professionals and parents alike. This article delves into the nuances of co-sleeping, focusing on its risks, guidelines for safe practice, benefits, and the role of specific products in ensuring safety, all informed by recent journal articles research.
Risks Associated with Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping, particularly bed-sharing, has been linked to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Studies have shown that bed-sharing can pose a nearly three-fold increased risk of SIDS, which further escalates in the presence of hazardous circumstances such as parental smoking, maternal alcohol consumption, or drug use[22]. Additionally, the risk of accidental suffocation is heightened if a caregiver accidentally covers the baby with bedding or rolls over onto the baby while sleeping[22].
Guidelines for Safe Co-Sleeping
Despite the risks, co-sleeping can be practiced safely with adherence to specific guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends creating a safe sleep environment for infants, which includes placing the baby on their back to sleep, using a firm, non-inclined sleep surface, and keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib to reduce the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation[16]. For those opting for bed-sharing, it is crucial to ensure that the bed is large enough, remove all excess pillows and heavy blankets, and avoid smoking and alcohol use[22].
Benefits of Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping, when done safely, offers several benefits. It facilitates easier breastfeeding, as bed-sharing provides easy access for nighttime feeding, which has been associated with higher rates and longer durations of breastfeeding[22]. Additionally, co-sleeping can improve parent sleep quality, as it allows for quick feeding or settling of the baby without the need to stand up or walk to another room. Moreover, co-sleeping promotes bonding through skin-to-skin contact throughout the night[22].
Product Material Suggestions and Strategy to Safety
To ensure the safety of co-sleeping, specific products and materials are recommended. A firm mattress that retains its shape and does not conform to an infant’s head is crucial[12]. Soft bedding, including pillows, quilts, comforters, and soft toys, should be avoided as they can cause suffocation[16]. Wearable blankets or sleep sacks are safer alternatives to traditional blankets, providing warmth without covering the baby’s head or face[16]. For bed-sharing, bedside sleepers attached to the side of the parental bed can offer a compromise, allowing closeness while providing the baby with their own safe space[2].
Products that I use…
TOG Rated Sleeping Bag by ErgoPouch: No more blankets that are risky for when they do accidentally cover the little one’s face.
Firm and Breathable Cot Mattress by Ecosa: This can easily be washed and is Red Nose Australia approved!
Bamboo Breathable Cot Sheet by Bubba Blue: Bamboo is naturally breathable material and has excellent ventillation.
And that is all you need for a safe co-sleeping!
Conclusion
Co-sleeping encompasses both risks and benefits, and the decision to co-sleep should be informed by a thorough understanding of how to mitigate potential dangers. By adhering to established guidelines and utilizing recommended products, parents can create a safer sleeping environment for their infants. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to provide clear, evidence-based advice to parents regarding co-sleeping practices, emphasizing the importance of a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7704549/
[2] https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057991/188305/Evidence-Base-for-2022-Updated-Recommendations-for?autologincheck=redirected
[3] https://lupinepublishers.com/research-and-reviews-journal/fulltext/co-sleeping-benefits-for-mothers-and-infants.ID.000245.php
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8762353/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724135/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941230/
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638322000376
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10453545/
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0882596323000532
[10] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2022.1081028/full
[11] https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_cosleeping_can_help_you_and_your_baby
[12] https://injepijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40621-021-00325-x
[13] https://injepijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40621-019-0205-z
[14] https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/news-and-research/baby-friendly-research/infant-health-research/infant-health-research-bed-sharing-infant-sleep-and-sids/
[15] https://cosleeping.nd.edu
[16] https://publications.aap.org/patiented/article/doi/10.1542/peo_document088/79989/Safe-Sleep-and-Your-Baby-How-Parents-Can-Reduce
[17] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/fare.12955
[18] https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/5/e002299
[19] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021929021004747
[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638319301237
[21] https://www.redalyc.org/journal/5763/576364367005/html/
[22] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/1765800
[23] https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/3/1/1
[24] https://adc.bmj.com/content/108/Suppl_2/A62.1
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