Co-Sleeping Versus Bed Sharingby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 04 Jun 2008 02:44 PM
You might be surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) actually recommends the practice of co-sleeping. But, before you jump for joy or shake your head (depending on where your opinions stand), please understand that the AAP may not define the term of co-sleeping the same way you might. While common usage refers to co-sleeping as sleeping with a child in the same bed, AAP makes a clear distinction between co-sleeping and bed sharing. The definition of co-sleeping is an infant or child who sleeps in the same room or in close proximity of the parents. This can be arranged by having a safe crib, bassinet, infant "co-sleeper," firm mattress or child's bed that is dedicated specifically for the child to sleep in alone. The definition of bed sharing, is just that. The infant or child sleeps in the same bed, couch or other surface where the parents sleep, and the baby and parents sleep in that bed at the same time. The AAP does not recommend bed sharing for an infant. There is too much data to support the danger of having a baby, especially an infant, in the same bed. On the other hand, the AAP highly encourages co-sleeping in the same room. Co-sleeping, according to the AAP encourages breast feeding. Studies have shown that the risk of SIDS and other serious complications (such as a sick baby going into severe distress) can be reduced when families co-sleep. Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: Girls Benefit Most from Breastfeeding Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantbaby tags User Comments  Valorie Delp (49340) 06 Jun 2008 03:59 AMBut. . .did you know that far more infants are found to die of SIDS alone in their cribs than are found to die in bed with their parents? In fact, in another study that examined SIDS--they found that most infants who died in bed had parents who were intoxicated or drugged. Several of the major studies that support having an infant in the crib were paid for by. . .crib manufacturers! Just food for thought--great article Mary Ann! Hope you're feeling better soon!  Mary Ann Romans (26886) 06 Jun 2008 05:13 AMMany campaigns for cribs use faulty numbers, such as considering infant deaths that occur on plush couches as co-sleeping. Valorie Delp (49340) 06 Jun 2008 03:50 PMWith that said. . .I'm sure that is true for the opposite side of the debate too. ;-) Community Tags attachment parenting, bed sharing, baby, co-sleeping, crib Discuss this article
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