Where Should My Newborn Sleep, In Her Own Room Or Ours?
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The question of where your newborn should sleep can be an important one. There are numberous advantages to having a newborn in your room, including:
- You may be able to respond quicker in an emergency.
- The baby is much closer for feeding.
- Because the baby does not have to get all worked up to get your attention when she is hungry, she may go back to sleep more quickly and peacefully.
On the other hand, having a newborn sleep in the parents room can be difficult if, for example, one parent has sleep difficulties, or doesn’t function well with sleep interruptions.
Many pediatric health care providers recommend allowing your baby to sleep in your room until she can sleep through the night, or mostly through the night. This can be fairly convenient for a newborn, as newborn cribs and bassinettes are not as bulky as cribs made for older babies.
Some parents advocate allowing their baby to sleep in their bed. Proponents of “co-sleeping” argue that the dangers of an infant sleeping in an adult bed are exaggerated, and that many cultures around the world have engaged in this practice for centuries. Opponents argue that there are dangers inherent in co-sleeping that cannot be ignored.
Some of the objections to co-sleeping include:
- Fear of rolling over the top of the baby and smothering or otherwise injuring the baby.
- Fear that the baby will roll off the bed.
- Concern about the child not wanting to give up sleeping in the parents’ bed.
- A loss of intimacy and sexual problems between mom and dad.
- A concern for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
To be sure, some research does support these objections. The concern for SIDS, in particular, seems to be a significant one, as much SIDS research suggests that co-sleeping is a definite risk factor.
Proponents of co-sleeping suggest some specific benefits, however. Among these are:
- Co-sleeping can build a stronger bond or attachment between the baby and her parents.
- Co-sleeping can allow a parent quicker access to the baby in the event of an emergency, such as stopped breathing.
- Breastfeeding during the night can be less disruptive for both mom and baby when they are in the same bed.
- The close and warm contact can help the baby fall asleep quicker and sleep more soundly.
Proponents of co-sleeping argue that co-sleeping actually can reduce the risk of SIDS, because parents are more likely to awaken if the baby experiences a loss of breath.
Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to let your baby sleep in your bed is your decision. If you do choose to allow your baby to sleep in your bed, you should follow some basic safety guidelines. These can include:
- making sure that there is no space between the bed and the wall or headboard in which the baby can be trapped.
- using only fitted sheets that are fastened securely to the bed.
- Consider using guard rails to keep baby from rolling off the bed.
- Do not leave your baby alone in an adult bed.
If you choose to use a crib, there are ways to keep your baby safe as well. Government regulations in the US have helped with crib safety. In 1974, new crib standards went into place. Among other things, these standards demanded that the space between slats on a crib must be no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart. This gap is small enough that it will prevent a baby from getting his head stuck in between the slats. You should also check your crib to be certain that the corner posts are no more than 1/16 inch higher than the end panels of the crib. The top rails of the crib sides, when raised, need to go at least 26 in. over the top of the part of the crib that supports the mattress. The sides of the crib, if they are able to be dropped down, should need at least 2 separate actions, such as pulling up on the slats and stepping on a release pedal, to release. Always check your crib hardware for pieces that might be broken or loose.
In addition to the design of the crib, there are a few other things you can do for added safety. If a baby is under 12 months old, place him on his back when he sleeps. Be sure to use a firm, tight-fitting mattress with little or no space between the mattress and the crib. Keep extra bedding items, such as stuffed toys, pillows, or quilts out of the crib. When the weather allows, use sleeper pajamas instead of blankets. Finally, you should be sure to use a fitted sheet that is made for your crib.
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