The Nursing Baby - Q&A

There are several things you should keep in mind when family bedding.

• Keep heavy covers off of baby. Just as you wouldn't put baby under heavy covers in a crib, it's not safe in your bed either. In fact, a baby snuggled up to mom or dad is often quite warm and may get overheated. Some babies are even more comfortable just in their diaper.
• Put up a guardrail, or move mattress snuggly against wall. You'd be surprised at how far a newborn can wiggle, so take action early to prevent baby from falling out of the bed.
• Put baby by mom, not between mom & dad. This is safest because most women have an instinctive feel for where there baby is at night. Plus, they just spent the last few months of pregnancy unable to roll over. There are always exceptions - my husband was terrified I'd roll over our son, since I am a sound sleeper and he sleeps very lightly. But it did not turn out to be a problem.
• Baby-proof your bedroom when baby gets active. My husband and I eventually decided to take our bed off its frame. Our new crawler began crawling at night and finding his way off the bed in his sleep. An added advantage: Ian could climb off the bed at 10 months, and climb on by 12 months.
• Not getting enough sleep? Try taking baby to bed with you at the beginning of the night. Some studies seem to indicate that mom's and baby's sleep cycles will synchronize when this is done, helping mother feel better rested. I know it worked for me!

Good Luck to you, and safe cosleeping. I hope you'll find it to be as enjoyable as I have.

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.