How to Cosleep

For advocates of cosleeping, it's hard to see how the issue could be the source of so much controversy. After all, they argue, what could be more natural and normal than sleeping with your baby in your bed? However, study results have been mixed, with some suggesting that cosleeping leads to more fatal accidents, while others confirm that cosleeping is a healthy practice that may even reduce the chance of SIDS. Research suggests that the difference may be related to methods of cosleeping, and whether proper safety precautions are followed. It's really quite basic, but here are a few guidelines to follow when cosleeping.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide whether you will need more space in your bed. It is totally possible to cosleep with a baby and two parents in a double bed, but it's not the most comfortable situation ever. Before baby arrives, consider getting a larger mattress or purchasing a piece of equipment called a cosleeper, which is like a crib with an open side that attaches to the side of a bed.
2. Keep baby from falling out of bed dangerously. If you're not using a cosleeper, you'll need to take some precautions here. You can get a railing that attaches to the side of the bed, or place your mattress on the floor instead of a bed frame, then pad the floor so that there's not far to fall. If your bed is very large this may not be an issue.
3. Keep squishy items out of the way. Small babies can suffocate easily because they aren't able to roll away or even lift their heads if something obstructs their breathing. Whether they sleep in a crib or your bed, keep them away from pillows, fluffy blankets, extremely soft mattresses and stuffed animals until they are old enough to move independently.
4. Use a rubber sheet or a thin waterproof sleeping pad under baby if you're concerned about your bed being damaged. You're almost certain to have a diaper accident eventually, not to mention spitting up, so this is really the way to go if you want your bed to stay clean.
5. Nurse or snuggle baby to sleep in bed if you like. This is very soothing for some babies, and one of the major advantages of cosleeping, since you don't have to risk waking baby when you transfer him or her to bed. If you're careful, you may still be able to sneak away afterwards, although baby may sleep more soundly when you are there. This is also very convenient for night feedings, since you may not actually have to get up at all.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful about who sleeps next to baby. Mothers generally sleep relatively lightly, while sources have mixed advice about whether it's safe for baby to sleep next to other adults or children. What is quite clear is that no one who has been drinking or using drugs, including prescription medications that can cause drowsiness, should sleep next to baby, because sleeping too soundly relates to a higher risk of accidents.