New guidelines from NICE and with it a whole debate between the parents who co-sleep and the parents of cot sleepers. I’ve seen a few sensible views from both sides but I’ve also seen a lot of anger and bullying aimed at parents who choose to co-sleep.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said families should learn about safe sleeping habits for babies to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The photo used in one particular article was worrying – it showed a baby propped up on a pillow under a heavy quilt and blanket – something I’d strongly advise against as research suggests overheating is one of the high risk factors for SIDS.
Can you safely co-sleep?
Although I agree that all parents should be made aware of the new findings, I also feel that new parents should be given the information together WITH safe co-sleeping advice so that they can make an informed choice.
About 250 babies die from Sids every year in England and Wales which is an alarmingly high amount. I lost a brother to SIDS and for me, any information that in some way can reduce this figure – I welcome.
As a professional and as a mum of two little ones I’ve never practiced co-sleeping and have always followed the latest guidelines for safe-sleep, having said that, I have to make it clear – I am not against co-sleeping.
It’s a emotive subject and one that has caused a lot of upset on social media, but I ask you to please think carefully before throwing advice or harsh words to other parents who choose to do what they believe is right for them and their baby.
Sleep advice
I answer over 250 parenting emails weekly and a large majority of those are regarding sleep. I’m seeing more and more parents who want to co-sleep and so I advise them on how they can do it safely. I also felt it hugely important to share my safe co-sleeping tips in my Baby Bedtime book.
Safe co-sleeping tips
* Never co-sleep if you’ve been drinking alcohol or have taken drugs
* Avoid using pillows, sheets, heavy quilts, blankets or anything that your baby could get tangled in or stuck under or become overheated by.
Instead use light bedding or sheets, don’t over-dress your baby and dress according to weather (hot summers and hot parents will bring up your baby’s temperature!)
* Don’t co-sleep if your baby was born prematurely
* Ideally you shouldn’t co-sleep with your baby until they are over 1 year old.
* Keep your baby away from smoke and don’t co-sleep if you or your partner are smokers
* Ensure your mattress is firm and not saggy (a soft mattress can cause your baby to overheat) and if your bed is a framed bed, make sure your baby can’t get caught or trapped in gaps between the mattress and frame
* Ensure your baby has enough space and that they can’t wriggle down under bedding.
* Check the room temperature. Too hot? Too cold. Ensure your room isn’t too hot and stuffy.
* Don’t leave your little one alone in your bed – instead, transfer them to a crib or cot.
For more of my tips for a happy and safe Baby Bedtime you can read my post over on Edspire here.
If you’ve been affected or are worried about SIDS there is help and advice available to you through the Lullaby Trust.
Photo credit: The Independent
July 3, 2014
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