Safety Issues Pertaining to Moms & Neonates Sleeping Together

Who Opposes

• Happy infant in cribbaby in the crib image by Tatyana Gladskih from Fotolia.com
  
  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is opposed to co-sleeping. Instead, the AAP suggests parents have their baby sleep in their room, but in a different bed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is also against co-sleeping. They charge it puts babies at greater risk of strangulation and suffocation.
  
  

Lack of Sleep

• Newborns are notorious for not sleeping through the night. However, new moms need their sleep, and if they are constantly aware of their brand-new baby lying next to them, chances are, mom's sleep is going to be interrupted. A new mom may wake each time her baby moves or makes a sound. And anyone who has been overly tired knows they may get irrational, irritable and slower in their reflexes and responses.
  
  An infant who does not get sufficient sleep is often a cranky baby. Tired babies tend to have a difficult time "cheering up" after an upsetting episode, and seem to be much needier than well-rested infants.
  
  

Risks to Baby

• Newborns sleeping in an adult bed with their moms face some risks. The infant could get rolled on or smothered by the sleeping parent. The newborn could suffocate under a blanket or get pinned between the mattress and headboard. Newborns, though they do not often roll over, can fall or get pushed out of bed
  
  

Co-Dependent Sleep Issues

• Baby having hard time falling asleepbaby image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
  
  Infants who always fall asleep while being held may have a difficult time falling asleep independently. Babies who always sleep in bed with you may have a difficult time falling asleep/staying asleep in their own bed when they are older.
  
  

Safe Alternatives

• Mom snuggling sleeping infantbaby being watch by loving mother image by Francois du Plessis from Fotolia.com
  
  Place your newborn in a cradle or crib next to your bed. This way you can immediately comfort her if she wakes in the night and do not have to get out of bed to breastfeed. Your baby will be at your side as she sleeps, you will hear every breath and know when she stirs, but will rest soundly because you know she is safe.
  
  If you simply enjoy the closeness and snuggles provided by sleeping with your baby, rock him to sleep, extend your nursing time, hold him close as you read books and wear him in a sling during the day.