03/08/2023
Hey Moms:
The article was written by Stephanie Lowe and can be found on the website GoodtoKnow. The article discusses how the UK National Health Service (NHS) has updated its sleep advice for parents regarding co-sleeping with their babies. The updated guidelines now reflect the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and for the first time, include advice on how to safely co-sleep with a baby. The article also highlights the relief expressed by some parents who had previously felt unsupported and stigmatized for co-sleeping with their babies.
Summary:
The NHS has updated its co-sleeping advice for parents and now reflects the NICE guidelines.
The new advice says to be safe if you share a bed with your baby and gives guidelines on how to do so.
The Lullaby Trust still recommends a separate sleep space but acknowledges that many parents co-sleep.
The new advice has been well-received by parents who feel supported in their choice to co-sleep safely.
What do you think?
I just thought I would so a little research myself to see contrasting opinions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, for at least the first six months of life to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They also advise against bed-sharing with infants younger than 4 months old, as well as with infants who were born prematurely or have a low birth weight, and with parents who smoke or have used drugs or alcohol.
Overall, the AAP does not recommend bed-sharing as a routine sleep practice, but acknowledges that some families may choose to do so. The organization emphasizes the importance of creating a safe sleep environment for infants, which includes placing them on their backs to sleep, using a firm sleep surface, keeping soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleeping area, and avoiding overheating.
In contrast, the GoodtoKnow article referenced earlier reports that the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has recently changed its guidelines to encourage co-sleeping with infants, as long as it is done safely. The article suggests that the new guidance reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of co-sleeping, such as promoting breastfeeding and bonding between parents and infants, as well as acknowledging that some families may find it easier and more practical to co-sleep.
It is important to note that co-sleeping, whether bed-sharing or room-sharing, can have potential risks and benefits, and families should make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances and preferences, as well as follow safe sleep practices to minimize the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.
Thanks,
Danielle.
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