Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Don't Let Your Baby Sleep In Your Bed

The Washington Post published an article yesterday regarding co-sleeping. They shared the many reasons this happens from lower socio-economic families who do not even have cribs to the need for bonding. 

"Strangulation deaths are going up and bed-sharing is going up," said John Kattwinkel of the University of Virginia, who chared and American Academy of Pediatrics panel that recommended against bed-sharing in 2005. "It's certainly logical to draw a conclusion that there is a link. Parents should not bed-share with their babies."

There are many countries who practice co-sleeping with their infants. This article, however, was published in June 2008 sharing information about deaths in Tasmania.

While we would all like to think that we have control while we are sleeping. It isn't the case. Hayes slept in the bed with many on many nights. It was easy for me and made Hayes feel comfortable being next to mom. But it was unsafe. It was a risk. And it did not promote independence for Hayes. I was lucky that he did not die in my bed. If you think it cannot happen to you, think again. I thought the same thing. Learn as much as you can and try to be a good parent by practicing what is best for you and your baby. It could save their life.