Does sharing a bed with my child affect the risk of SIDS? Extensive research across the world has identified very clear risk factors for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and, importantly, ways that parents can reduce the chance of this happening. Without a doubt, sharing a bed increases the risk [...]
I just had a baby, how can I get the best sleep possible? (is there a difference between whether I room-share with my baby or not?) You’ll be woken up, it’s almost inevitable – but try not to worry about when you will be woken up next; you’ll sleep better. You should expect that your sleep [...]
Even though he is young I think my child is anxious. Will that affect his sleep? Beyond typical nighttime fears, anxiety can start early in life, so it is indeed possible that your child is suffering from anxiety and I would suggest contacting a health care provider to discuss your concerns [...]
When is bed-sharing, a form of co-sleeping, extra risky? Bed-sharing is a family choice, but poses risks. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes that parents do bed-share with infants, it also recommends against bed-sharing. Room-sharing, on the other hand, is recommended for [...]
Is co-sleeping a safety concern in other cultures? There are lots of mixed opinions about co-sleeping. And, yes, it does vary quite a bit world-wide. However, there is always a safety risk to co-sleeping (sharing the same bed or sleep surface) if your little one is younger than 12-months-old. For [...]
Is it okay to co-sleep? Absolutely! It is definitely okay to co-sleep in certain situations. To make it as safe as possible, be sure to have a firm, flat sleep surface (mattress) with bedding tucked in tight around the mattress. Make sure, too, that there are no comforters or other soft bedding [...]
Many of these recommendations do not seem to match my parenting style, cultural beliefs, or generally what my family does. What can I take away from this website? Great question. I’m sure that many families might not choose to use some of the strategies on this website for a variety of reasons [...]
What is co-sleeping like in other cultures? Many families wonder what co-sleeping is like in other cultures. Many families also think – what if my culture and my family think that co-sleeping is the best way to do things? Those are great questions. Families in predominantly Asian countries and [...]
What is co-sleeping? Co-sleeping refers to a few different sleeping arrangements. For instance, co-sleeping can be when you actually share the same sleep surface (for example, bed, couch, mat, or futon) as your baby. Sharing a room, such as having your baby sleep in his crib in your bedroom, is [...]
How do I transition my baby from co-sleeping to sleeping in her own crib or room? This can be a tough transition – babies can become quite used to what they have at bedtime when they fall asleep! Getting her used to a different environment at bedtime will probably take some time, practice, and [...]