Having your baby sleep in your bed with you, also known as co-sleeping is a choice only you can make. As many things involved with raising a child co-sleeping may not work for all families or all babies.

Letting your baby sleep in your bed can have benefits. A baby that is sleeping right next to it’s mother sometimes will sleep for longer periods of time, and the closeness allows quick and easy feedings which means less lost sleep for both the baby and parents. In babies that are not always near both parents, co-sleeping also allows bonding time and cuddling. Having your baby close at hand also provides a sense of security in parents that worry a lot. Some experts feel co-sleeping also makes more well adjusted adults as babies that sleep in there parents bed get that guaranteed parental contact nightly.

There are some people who feel co-sleeping is dangerous. It is thought that soft bedding may increase the risk of SIDS and as adult beds are often softer with more bedding this is a concern. Other parents worry they may roll over on their baby in their sleep. Couples may also find co-sleeping interferes with regular intimacy. Some experts feel co-sleeping creates a dependent personality and separation anxiety later in life.

If you do choose to co-sleep it is advised that

• You do not use alcohol, drugs or medication on nights the baby is in your bed.
• Keep bedding to a minimum and try for a firm mattress. Keep the bed against a wall if possible and do not place babies that can roll or wiggle around close to the edge. You can also put a mattress on the floor so that in case the baby fall he or she is safe.
• Always place your baby on his or her back in the bed.
• Make sure the bed is big enough to accommodate parents and baby.
• Baby should not sleep next to sibling as sibling may roll over the baby. Best is that the baby should sleep next to mother.

Most experts feel if you do not wish to have a long-term family bed situation transitioning a baby from co-sleeping to crib sleeping before the 6th month mark is easiest. Placing the babies crib near your bed may be an easy transitional step.

Studies on co-sleeping conflict as to whether it is a good or bad idea, this leaves the decision solely in the families hands. Be sure to make this a family decision as the bed belongs to both parents, so both the parents should agree.