Education and Child Matters

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Sleeping In The Same Room

 

The topic ‘should a baby sleep in a room by itself or in the parents bedroom’ is one that many people across the world have different views on. Some cultures encourage the baby to be with the parents in their room, and in other cultures, the baby sleeping in a room by itself is normal. 

This write up will give you an overview of the whole topic.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING YOUR BABY SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM AS YOU?

There are many advantages to having your baby sleep in the same room as you. They are:

  1. It reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  2. You can comfort your baby quicker if they wake up or cry.
  3. You can meet your baby’s needs quicker.
  4. It makes night time baby care easier for you.
  5. It may be easier to breastfeed your baby.
  6. The baby may cry less because they can feel their parents close to them.
  7. If the baby cries they will only wake the parent up and no one else in the house because the parent has attended to them quickly.
  8. It is suggested through research that babies can have reduced cortisol levels (the stress hormone) when they are next to their parents. 
  9. It increases the bond between the baby and their parents.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF HAVING YOUR BABY SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM?

Some challenges of having your baby sleep in the same room as you could be:

  1. The baby could keep both you and your partner awake.
  2. You and your partner may find it uncomfortable having intimate relations due to lack of privacy.
  3. You and your partner may not be able to read or watch TV in bed as the light and noise may disrupt the baby.
  4. Your baby could find it difficult to move into their own room later when they are older.

HOW LONG IS IT RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BABY SHOULD SLEEP IN YOUR ROOM?

If you intend to have your baby sleep in your room, then it is advisable to have them in your room until they are between 6 months old and 1 year old.

WHERE SHOULD YOUR BABY BE IN YOUR ROOM?

Your baby should ideally be within arm’s reach next to your bed. They can be in a crib or moses basket.

SHOULD YOUR BABY SHARE YOUR ROOM IF YOU OR YOUR PARTNER SMOKE IN THE ROOM?

Second hand cigarette smoke is very harmful for a baby. Please talk to your GP, healthcare provider, midwife or health visitor for their advice.

WHAT IS SIDS?

SIDS is an acronym for sudden infant death syndrome. SIDS was previously known as cot death. This is when a baby suddenly, out of the blue, without any reasons passes away in their cot/crib or basket.

Many studies have shown that having your baby share your room in the first year can reduce the risk of SIDS.

In countries where families share rooms and there are many family members in a room, the incidence of SIDS is very low.

SHOULD YOU SHARE YOUR BED WITH YOUR BABY?

It is not advisable to share your bed with your baby. Once your baby falls asleep in your lap or arms, you should place them in their cot/crib or basket.

Some reasons why your baby should not share your bed is:

  1. You could fall asleep on top of your baby and suffocate them.
  2. Your baby could roll underneath you and suffocate.
  3. Your pillows and duvet could overheat your baby.
  4. Your baby could get entangled in your duvet and suffocate.