TIPS FOR SLEEPING WITH YOUR BABY

Co-sleeping or bed-sharing with your baby can be a wonderful way to bond with your child and make nighttime breastfeeding or comforting easier. However, it's important to take precautions to ensure that bed-sharing is safe. Here are some tips for safe co-sleeping with your baby:

1. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm and flat surface. A crib or bassinet next to your bed can be a good option for safe co-sleeping.

2. Avoid sleeping with your baby on a couch or armchair, as this increases the risk of accidental suffocation.

3. Never sleep with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, taking medication that may cause drowsiness, or if you are extremely tired.

4. Make sure that your baby cannot become trapped or entangled in bedding or other items in the bed. Keep pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals away from your baby.

5. Consider using a co-sleeping or bedside bassinet that attaches to your bed, so your baby has a separate sleep space that is close to you.

6. Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature of the room. Avoid overdressing or overheating your baby.

7. Breastfeed if possible, as breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

8. Be aware of any potential hazards in your bed, such as gaps between the mattress and headboard or footboard, and ensure that your baby cannot fall through or get stuck in these spaces.

Remember that while co-sleeping can be a great way to bond with your baby, it's important to always prioritize your baby's safety.