Where Should My Baby Sleep?
There is a common question for first time parents, "Where should my baby sleep?" While experts disagree on the length of time, they do agree on this one thing...
by Sami Cone
Nov 03, 2016
While most parents of newborns don't questions whether or not they'll get much sleep in those first few weeks and months, there is a common question for first time parents, "Where should my baby sleep?"
Where should the crib or bassinet be located? Will it be in the parents’ or the baby’s room? Regardless of the answer, these questions should be answered before the baby arrives.
An article from BabyCenter.com reveals the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents (although not in the same bed), because it's thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. Rooming-in also makes evenings easier for breastfeeding moms.
SidsAndKids.org takes it a step further to suggest parents should "sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first six to twelve months."
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having a baby sleep in the parents' room initially is important for several reasons
While experts seem to disagree on the length of time baby should sleep in the same room as their parents, they seem to all agree that having a baby sleep in the parents' room initially is important for several reasons.
According to On Becoming Babywise, the advantage to having the baby sleep in the parents’ room for the first two to three weeks is limited to convenience for the nighttime feedings. Your newborn will need to feed at least every three hours, so the closeness of the crib is helpful.
One downside is with all the unfamiliar sounds and stirring noises babies tend to make. This will keep new parents awake, wondering if all is okay with the baby.
A second downside has to do with Baby’s ability to achieve continuous nighttime sleep. Sharing a room after four weeks can postpone a baby’s ability to sleep through the night upward to four months.
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If you decide to place baby in his own room, and you are unsure about that arrangement, consider purchasing a monitor, which will alert you to any immediate need your baby might have.
Ultimately, the answer should be clear: safe and sensible sleeping arrangements start with Baby out of Mom and Dad’s bed.
Where does your newborn baby sleep?
Sami Cone
Best-Selling Author & Speaker
Sami Cone is the best-selling author of "Raising Uncommon Kids", is known as the "Frugal Mom" on Nashville's top-rated talk show "Talk of the Town" and educates over a million listeners every day on her nationally syndicated "Family Money Minute". She is proud to call Nashville home with her husband, Rick, and their two ‘tweenage' children.
