When it comes to bringing a new baby into the home, one of the most important decisions an expecting family must make is where the newborn baby should sleep. Should a newborn sleep in the same room as the parents, or should they have their own nursery? This is a difficult decision for families to make, as there are various factors to consider.
This blog post will examine the safety and health benefits of having a child sleep in the same room as the parents and the potential risks and drawbacks of this arrangement. This article aims to provide objective information on the benefits and effects of having a newborn sleep in the same room as the parents so that parents can make informed decisions on where and how to best provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for their newborn baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations to Have Newborn Sleep in the Same Room
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends (based on a study) that infant sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, for at least the first 6 months and preferably up to one year. Room sharing is an effective way to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and may provide the baby with a sense of security and comfort.
Room sharing also makes breastfeeding and monitoring the newborn’s health and safety easier. However, parents should be aware of the potential risks of suffocation or strangulation if their infant is placed on soft bedding or shares an adult bed. The AAP advises that babies should never sleep on adult beds, couches, armchairs, or other soft surfaces.
Benefits of Sleeping in the Same Room
Sleeping in the same room as your newborn is beneficial for both you and your baby. The most obvious benefit is that it helps you bond as a family. When you sleep in the same room, you can be attuned to your baby’s needs and more easily respond when your baby wakes up. It also means less disruption to your baby’s sleep routine since they won’t have to adjust to a different environment each night. Plus, there is evidence that infants who sleep in the same room as their parents have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Disadvantages of Sleeping in the Same Room
While there are many benefits to sleeping in the same room as your newborn, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. Here are a few of the potential drawbacks of room sharing:
- Lack of privacy: When you share a room with your baby, you may have less privacy and personal space than you are used to. This can be especially challenging for couples who are used to having their own separate bedrooms.
- Lack of sleep: Babies often wake up frequently at night, and when you share a room with them, you may be woken up by their cries or movements. This can lead to sleep disruptions and sleep deprivation, which can be challenging for parents.
- Increased risk of infection: When you share a room with your baby, you are more likely to come into contact with any germs or infections that they may have. This can increase your risk of getting sick, which can be especially challenging for parents who are already sleep-deprived.
- Lack of space: Sharing a room with a baby can also be challenging from a logistical standpoint. You may need to rearrange your furniture or move items out of the room to make space for the baby’s crib or bassinet.
Tips for safe sleep practices with a newborn
When it comes to safe sleep practices for newborns, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help ensure that your baby is sleeping safely:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep: The AAP recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep, as this position has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Avoid placing your baby on their stomach or side to sleep, as this can increase the risk of suffocation.
- Use a firm and flat sleep surface: As per AAP, your baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as a firm mattress, crib or bassinet, that is free from soft bedding or loose blankets. Do not use crib blankets or crib bumpers. This will help to prevent your baby from suffocating or getting trapped in the bedding. Do not use swaddles, sleepers, or any heavy objects near your baby. Infant sleep products like cribs, bedside sleepers, and play yards must also adhere to federal safety standards as laid out by Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature: The room where your baby sleeps should be kept at a comfortable temperature, between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid overheating the room, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid exposing your baby to smoke: Exposing your baby to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of SIDS. If you smoke, it is important to avoid smoking around your baby and to quit smoking altogether if possible.
- Avoid co-sleeping: While it is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents, it is not safe for babies to sleep in the same bed as their parents. This can increase the risk of sleep-related infant death significantly because of accidental suffocation.
Following these safe sleep guidelines can help reduce the risk of sleep-related accidental deaths and ensure that you avoid unsafe sleep practices.
When should you move your infant to his or her own room?
After the first few months of a newborn’s life, it might be time to transition from the parents’ room to a baby’s room and help them become independent sleepers. This can be a difficult transition for both the parents and the baby. To make the transition easier, parents should take the time to prepare the baby’s room.
Firstly, consult your pediatrician to ensure your baby is growing well and does not need feedings at night.
Begin by setting up the crib and other necessary furniture, such as a dresser or changing table. Make sure to create a soothing and comfortable environment with soft lighting and a calming color palette. Then, gradually move some of the baby’s belongings into the room. Finally, establish a consistent bedtime routine in the baby’s new room and allow extra time for snuggles and rocking.
To Conclude
Ultimately, having your newborn sleep in the same room as you is a personal choice. It can provide a sense of security and closeness for both the infant and the parents. However, it is important to ensure that the environment is safe and comfortable for the baby and that the baby has its own sleeping space. Parents should use their best judgment to decide what is right for their family.
FAQs
Should your baby really sleep in the same room as you?
Yes, the AAP advises that parents share a room with their infant during the first 12 months of life in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
How long can a baby sleep in the same room as their parents?
According to the AAP, infants should stay in the same room as a parent for at least six months of age and ideally for a year to lower the chances of SIDS. After a year, you may place the baby in his or her own sleep space. However, you should keep them under supervision so that you can respond to their needs quickly. Buying a baby monitor can come in quite handy.
Do babies sleep better with their mom in the room?
Yes, research shows that having a mom sleep with the baby resulted in twice as many breastfeeding sessions and three times longer breastfeeding throughout the night. Babies who slept with their mothers cried less and were more likely to stay asleep.
Why does sleeping in the same room as a baby reduce SIDS?
According to Rachel Moon, MD, FAAP, an expert in SIDS research, approximately 3,500 infants in the United States pass away unexpectedly each year while sleeping. Although this is a tragic statistic, research has shown strong evidence that sleeping in the same room as a parent can reduce the risk of SIDS. This is because breastfeeding reduces the risk of sleep-related deaths. And AAP suggests feeding human milk to babies for at least 6 months or longer.
