Where should your Baby Sleep?

Having a newborn is a wonderful experience but can be overwhelming to new parents. A newborn changes the dynamics of the entire house. There is so much to consider but first and foremost is the health and safety of the baby.

One of the most important questions a parent must consider is where should your baby sleep? A baby's sleep schedule is not the same as an adult's sleep schedule. Therefore, the amount and quality of the baby's sleep is very important as it will affect the entire household's well being.

It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as the parent. The baby should sleep in a bassinet or crib placed near the bed preferably within arm's reach. This is recommended to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Parents are more aware of the baby because they can monitor the infant closely.

Sleeping in the same room also makes it easier to feed the baby when the infant is hungry. This also allows the mother more time to bond with the baby. Whether you choose a crib or bassinet is really a personal preference. Bassinets or cradles are a good choice because they are smaller than cribs and help to save space. The baby may also be more comfortable in a bassinet because they are cozier than cribs.

If you decide to use a crib then you should make sure that the mattress is firm. It is recommended that the crib is free from blankets, quilts, or extra bedding because these items may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. You can read more on Nursery Preparation Here.

Co-sleeping is also another choice that many parents make when it comes to where should your baby sleep. There are benefits and risks to co-sleeping with your baby. Co-sleeping makes it easy for the baby to be feed in the middle of the night especially if the mother is breastfeeding. Co-sleeping helps the sleep cycle of the mother to become synchronized with that of the baby.

Co-sleeping also helps the baby during the first months fall and stay asleep. However, despite all of the positive benefits of co-sleeping it is not recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The risks of suffocation or strangulation are increased when the baby is placed in bed with the parent to sleep.

Babies should be carefully monitored during their first few months. It is preferable to have the infant in the same room where the parent is while sleeping. Infants should not be left alone for extended periods of time while sleeping. A bassinet or cradle is the perfect solution to allow your baby to nap so that you can monitor the infant while asleep. Feeding your little one is also a hot topic and most women choose to bottle feed their babies. However breast feeding can be very rewarding as well. The choice is totally left up to the mother.

After the baby reaches the point to where they are able to roll over they should be placed in a crib. As stated above, cribs should be free of any excess bedding. Bumper pads, toys, comforters, and quilts should not be used in a crib. The mattress should be covered with a tight fitted sheet and no more than one blanket should be used to keep the baby warm.

A mobile is always a good choice to place above the crib. Babies like the sound of music as it soothes them and helps them to sleep. You should also keep a monitor in the room where the crib located. This will ensure the safety of the baby. Your infant will most likely need to remain in a crib until they become a toddler and the age of 2.

Once your child has reached the age of 2 you should find a bed that is safe and suitable. Many parents place their toddlers in toddler beds. Toddler beds are a great choice because they are safe and usually low enough to the floor to prevent the toddler from falling and hurting themselves.

At this point it is okay to allow your toddler to sleep with extra items in their bed. Toddlers often find it comforting to sleep with a favorite toy or blanket. Your toddler may also feel the need to sleep in the same bed as the parent. This normally is not a problem as long as the parent does not allow it to become a frequent event.

Whatever the case may be, parents need to choose the safest place for their baby to sleep. Babies should not be left alone during the first few months so it would probably be wise to find a find a suitable and comfortable place in the room with the parents for the baby. If you already have a little one and are bringing another baby home then you may want to read more on Getting your child ready for a new sibling here.