Sleeping with a newborn in the bed is common in many cultures around the world and it is gaining in popularity in the U.S., reports Baby Center. With benefits such as increased breastfeeding rates, more secure attachment and better behavior and mental health later in life, many parents are eager to try sleeping with their baby but are unsure about how to do it safely.
Step 1
Check the mattress to ensure that it is flush with the headboard and frame and doesn't have any spaces where a baby could fall and become trapped. Another option is to place the mattress on the floor and eliminate the frame entirely.
Step 2
Place the bed flush against the wall or place a mesh guard rail along the side of the bed. This ensures that the infant will not roll off the side of the bed.
Step 3
Remove any soft or fluffy bedding from the bed. Heavy bedding may smother a newborn. If the parents want to use bedding, use only a thin sheet and do not pull it up past the waist. Keep it off of the newborn entirely.
Step 4
Dress the baby comfortably according to the temperature of the room. Be careful not to overheat the baby, but put her in one more layer of clothing or in slightly thicker clothing than the parents feel comfortable wearing to sleep.
Step 5
Set the newborn between the wall or guardrail and the mother. The father or other older children should sleep on the other side of the mother instead of placing the newborn between the mother and another person.
Step 6
Lie the baby on his back. This is the safest sleeping position for an infant and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
Step 7
Nurse the baby frequently during the night if breastfeeding. According to the World Health Organization, mothers and babies who sleep together enjoy a longer breastfeeding relationship overall. These babies also get more milk than babies who do not sleep with their mothers.
Things You'll Need
- Bed
- Mesh guard rail
