What is Co-Sleeping?
Parents often wonder whether they should co-sleep with their infant. However, some research suggests that co-sleeping can be unsafe for infants, especially those under a year of age. The older child is more capable of waking up during the night and is typically a deeper sleeper than their biological parents. Co-sleeping with a newborn increases the risk of SIDS due to the combination of factors.
Some parents actively choose co-sleeping. First, co-sleeping allows parents to sleep for longer periods without having to constantly check on their baby. Better sleep is essential to both the baby and the parent’s emotional and physical well-being. Co- sleeping can help both the parent and baby get REM sleep because both parties can feel a sense of security and protection.
Having a good night’s sleep helps parents make wiser decisions, and a restful sleep also lowers the chances of postpartum depression. Also, co-sleeping with your child allows you to get more sleep yourself, which is important when your baby is a newborn.
The Best Way to Co-Sleep with Your Child
Ensure that the mattress fits tightly onto the bed frame. If there is any room gap between the mattress and the frame, the baby could get trapped in between. Avoid covering your child’s head with blankets or soft toys while sleeping. Ensure that he or she has a firm sleeping bag, not a soft one, and that the hood is not attached.
Also, avoid soft underlays on the mattress, as these can trap the baby’s head and cause suffocation. Co-sleeping is a safe option for infants under a year old, but it is important to note the risks involved. Before co-sleeping, consider these tips and research your options thoroughly.
The Pros of Co-Sleeping with Your Baby
Co-sleeping is also beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. Because you are right next to your baby, there’s no need to wake up to feed or change them. During the first few hours after birth, your baby’s first cry will wake you up , and you can respond to it before it turns into a full-blown crying fit. This is especially important for preemies, who can’t yet communicate with their parents.
Some cultures consider co-sleeping a responsible parenting practice. It improves bonding between you and your child and increases safety, especially for the baby. It also allows you to monitor the child’s movements and health more easily. But there are some downsides to co-sleeping, too. There are concerns about suffocation and unhealthy dependency on mom and dad.
The Cons of Co-sleeping with Your Baby
When you’re considering co-sleeping, make sure to keep these tips in mind. One of the most significant disadvantages of co-sleeping is that it can cause relationship problems. Because co-sleeping often leaves the parents apart, the transition from co-sleeping to separate beds is often more difficult. It also leaves little time for intimate moments with each other. This arrangement can lead to separation anxiety. This can be especially dangerous if one partner works nights or is away from the house.
In addition to the disadvantages mentioned above, there is also the potential for a baby to injure itself while sleeping. This is typically the case when a strand of hair becomes wrapped around a toe or finger and cut off the blood supply to that part of the body. To reduce the risk of hair getting caught on the baby’s body while co-sleeping, parents should either braid their hair or tie it back.
Best Way to Choose a Crib Mattress for Your Baby
The best way to choose a crib mattress for your newborn baby is to consider its size and material. The mattress should fit the crib exactly, without any gaps, and be firm. A soft mattress may conform to your baby’s head and face, which can pose a danger of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome. The mattress should have sufficient firmness to allow your baby to roll without feeling discomfort. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib, but not so tightly that it falls down. You should avoid gaps and holes, as they could be dangerous for your baby.
Mattresses should be flipped to prevent bacteria from accumulating, which is dangerous for newborns. Always purchase mattresses that come with a guarantee. When selecting a mattress for your baby, you should select a firmer one than what you think you need for your own comfort. While soft crib mattresses may be tempting to purchase, babies’ heads require more support than an adult would need. If you are not sure which type of mattress to choose, consult an expert before making your purchase. If you are unsure, try putting your finger in the mattress to test it out first.
If you want a water-resistant mattress, you can pair it with a waterproof mattress cover.
How to select a comfortable mattress if you want co-sleeping with your baby?
If you’re a new parent and want to co-sleep with your baby, here are a few things to consider when selecting a mattress. First, consider how you will sleep. If you want to sleep in the same bed with your baby, a California king bed or Alaskan king bed will be fine. California and Alaskan king beds are suitable for co-sleeping with a baby. A tall person can sleep comfortably on them. Also, your partner can also sleep there with you and the baby.
Conclusion
In addition to being comfortable for both parent and baby, co-sleeping can help both parents sleep better and your baby fall asleep faster. It is important to consider safety concerns before starting this new sleeping arrangement. In order to ensure the safety of your baby, make sure to remove loose blankets and pillows from the room. Co-sleeping can also be dangerous for your child, as moving adults and bedding can impair your baby’s breathing. For more information on the best mattress for your kids consult with the team at Eco Kids