Co-sleeping refers to the practice of sharing the bed with your baby while sleeping. Though quite controversial in the Western culture, it is a norm in most countries around the world. This practice was widespread till the last century, but with the advent of the crib, and the notion that kids should sleep independently in a room of their own, co-sleeping took a backseat. A lot of parents and even medical professionals are not comfortable with the idea of co-sleeping, but this concept is slowly changing, with parents opting to co-sleep with their infant. There are various safety products for the baby available nowadays, which facilitate co-sleeping. Let us take a look at some of them.Co-sleeping Safety Products for Your Baby
Bassinets
Bassinets, with barriers on three sides, and the fourth side open, which can be attached to the parent's bed facilitate co-sleeping. This is ideal since the baby is right next to you, but in a separate little bed for itself. One of the best and most popular bassinet of this sort is the 'Arm's Reach Co-sleeper'. It comes in many sizes, and you can pick one depending on your choice, and the size of your room and bed. The 'Arm's Reach Original' can even hold twins, and can store toys and also convert to a stand-alone bassinet. The 'Arm's Reach Mini' and 'Arm's Reach Euro-Mini' are smaller versions, and suitable for a smaller bedroom. The 'Arm's Reach Clear-Vue' bassinet is unique in a way that it allows you to see your baby at all times. The 'Arm's Reach Sleigh Bed' is another bassinet you can use. Made from wood, it is very sturdy, and is more suitable for beds with heights of 18-24 inches.
Bed Top Infant Enclosures
These co-sleeping products can be placed directly on your bed, and are equipped with side barriers, which ensure the baby does not roll off into the adult bed. Parents who want to co-sleep with the baby in their bed can try the 'First Years Close and Secure Sleeper', which can be secured to the adult bed with a flap. It is portable and can be easily folded.
Another bed top product is the 'Baby Delight Snuggle Nest'. It's suitable for premature babies as well. It has sturdy barriers, which prevent adult bedding from disturbing your baby's sleep. Another infant enclosure available is the 'Summer Infant Rest Assured Sleeper'. It has mesh barriers, which allow for better air circulation and parents to view their sleeping infant at all times.
Bolsters
The 'Humanity Family Bed Co-sleeper' from Bean Products is a large bolster that can be placed on to the bed, and along with promoting co-sleeping, prevents babies from rolling off on to the floor. Being heavy, it's better than the regular pillows, as it does not shift or move around on the bed.
Advantages of Co-sleeping
- Co-sleeping gives working mothers extra time with their babies, fostering the mother-child bonding. It also allows mothers to attend to their babies' needs quickly. Mothers do not need to get up and fetch the baby for night-time feedings, which saves time and breastfeeding can go on for longer duration. This helps to synchronize the mother and baby's sleep cycle.
- Babies nestled close to their mothers fall asleep faster, stay asleep for longer duration and get more sleep, which in turn means that the parents also get more hours of uninterrupted sleep.
- Co-sleeping advocates believe that babies who co-slept had higher self-esteem, and were more confident. They also say that parents used to co-sleeping are so aware of the baby's presence next to them in the bed, that they will not roll over or hurt the baby in any way.
- If you are not used to co-sleeping with your baby, it will be some time before you can adjust to a squirming, kicking, and crying infant sharing your bed.
- Once the baby gets used to co-sleeping, transitioning him or her to the crib can be a lengthy process.
- Some parents feel co-sleeping can affect their love life. Having a sleeping baby between you and your partner is not the perfect idea of romance!
- When you co-sleep, sleep facing the baby. Chances of the baby falling down are thus, greatly reduced.
- Never co-sleep with pets or toddlers.
- Parents who smoke, or are under the influence of drugs and heavy medications, or are heavy drinkers should never co-sleep with their infant.
- Never use a couch or a water bed when co-sleeping. Use a firm mattress.
- Covering the baby with heavy blankets can lead to overheating. Use lightweight, fleece blankets or soft sheets, which are enough to keep the baby warm and cozy.
