Where will the baby sleep?
Counting sheep
Deciding where your baby will sleep is a personal choice influenced by your family's lifestyle, cultural beliefs, and preferences. What works for one family might not work for another. It's important to think about safety, practicality, and how it might affect your sleep—because you'll definitely need as much rest as possible!
Creating a safe sleep environment
Regardless of where you decide your baby will sleep, creating a safe sleep environment is essential.
Firm, flat sleep surface
A firm mattress supports your baby's developing spine and reduces the risk of suffocation or entrapment. Soft surfaces like adult beds, couches, or armchairs can conform to your baby's face, increasing the risk of suffocation.
When choosing a crib or bassinet, ensure it meets current safety standards and has a firm mattress that fits snugly, covered with a fitted sheet for that specific mattress size.
No soft bedding, pillows, or toys in the sleeping area
Avoid using soft bedding, such as blankets, quilts, comforters, pillows, or stuffed toys, in your baby's sleep area, as these can pose a suffocation risk. Instead, use a sleeper or sleep sack to keep your baby warm and comfortable without loose bedding. A bare crib or bassinet with only a fitted sheet is the safest option.
Temperature
To create a comfortable sleep environment, maintain a room temperature between 68°F and 72°F (20°C and 22°C) and dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the room temperature. Your baby should wear one more layer than you would need in the same environment to avoid overheating, which can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Back to sleep
Always follow the ""back to sleep"" recommendation to reduce the risk of SIDS. Place your baby on their back for all sleep times, during naps and at night. This position helps keep your baby's airway clear and lowers the risk of SIDS. If your baby rolls onto their stomach during sleep, gently turn them back onto their back until they can roll in both directions independently.
Discussing which room
Room-sharing with parents
Room-sharing with your baby, using a bassinet or crib in your bedroom, offers several benefits. It makes nighttime feedings easier and less disruptive to your sleep and allows you to monitor your baby more closely, which provides peace of mind and quick response if needed. Studies also show that room-sharing can significantly lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), making it a safer option for your newborn.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Room-sharing can disrupt your sleep, especially if you're a light sleeper or have a small bedroom. Also, take into account any existing sleep issues, like insomnia or sleep apnea, or work schedules that might affect your ability to share a room with your baby.
Separate nursery
Having a nursery for your baby has many benefits. It lets you create a calm space with decorations, lighting, and storage. A separate room can also help you sleep better, especially if you or your partner are light sleepers or need to wake up early for work. Plus, starting your baby in their own room early can make it easier for them to sleep independently later.
However, there are some things to think about. A separate room might make it harder to hear your baby crying at night, which can be a concern for some parents. You'll also need to move between rooms for feedings and comfort, which can be tiring in those first few months.
Discussing which bed
Bassinet or crib
When choosing where your newborn will sleep, you may be deciding between a bassinet and a crib. A bassinet is a smaller, portable option that can be placed next to your bed, making nighttime care easier. It’s often recommended for the first few months because it provides a cozy, secure space for your baby.
In contrast, a crib is a larger, more permanent sleeping solution that offers more room for your baby to grow and can be used into toddlerhood. Although cribs are less portable, they may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Co-sleeper
Co-sleepers are a type of sleeping arrangement designed to allow your baby to sleep close to you while maintaining a separate sleep space. Typically, a co-sleeper is a small, attached crib or bassinet that sits next to your bed, often with one side that can be lowered or removed for easy access to your baby. This setup offers the benefits of closeness for nighttime feedings and comforting while keeping your baby safely in their own designated space. Co-sleepers can help foster bonding and make it easier for parents to attend to their baby’s needs without fully sharing the bed.
It’s important to ensure that the co-sleeper is securely attached to your bed and meets safety standards to prevent any risks of suffocation or entrapment.
Co-sleeping or bed-sharing
Sharing a bed with your baby offers benefits such as the convenience of having your baby close for nighttime feedings, which is especially useful if you’re breastfeeding. Bed-sharing can also enhance bonding and provide comfort and security for your baby.
However, there are important risks to consider. Studies in the US show that bed-sharing can increase the risk of SIDS, particularly for babies under six months old. There are also safety concerns, such as the risk of suffocation or entrapment if the bedding is too soft or if the baby gets wedged between the mattress and the wall. Additionally, bed-sharing might make it harder to transition your baby to their own sleep space later, as they may become used to the closeness of sleeping with you.
Making a decision
Cultural and personal beliefs can influence your feelings about this topic. Some families prefer to have their baby in a separate room from an early age, while others might choose bed-sharing or room-sharing for a longer time. Here's a view into kids' sleeping location by age, based on a survey done by Emily Oster, the American economist who creates data-driven guides for pregnancy & parenthood.
It’s important for you and your partner to talk about your beliefs and values to find a sleeping arrangement that fits your family's needs. No matter what, always prioritize safety when setting up your baby's sleep space. Your pediatrician can help with advice and answer any questions you have.
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