Co-sleeping
by Allison Chambers
1. What are the risks of co-sleeping?
1.1. Rolling over onto the child during sleep
1.2. SIDS
1.3. Suffocation
2. How can I prepare my room for co-sleeping?
2.1. Create a sleep environment with nothing but a tight fitted sheet
2.2. No blankets
2.3. No pillows
2.4. No loose sheets
3. What is co-sleeping?
3.1. The practice of sleeping in the same bed with your child or in close proximity
4. What is the safest position for a young child to co-sleep in?
4.1. Have the child sleep on their backs
5. What are ways you can get your child to start sleeping in their own bed?
5.1. Do it gradually - gradually transition
5.2. Don't give up - it can take some time for the child to get used to sleeping in their own bed
5.3. Be consistent - establish a bedtime routine
5.4. Use a reward system - you can use a sleep chart or reward system such as tokens or stickers (over age of 3)
6. What are some tips for keeping the child safe when co-sleeping?
6.1. Place the mattress on the floor, making sure there are no crevices
6.2. Don't let the child sleep on a soft surface
6.3. Secure any fitted sheets
6.4. Remove all pillows, blankets, and heavy quilts from the bed beforehand
7. What are the benefits of co-sleeping?
7.1. Encourages breastfeeding and makes it easier on the mother
7.2. Parent-child bond
8. What is the best age to start and end co-sleeping?
8.1. Start when an infant
8.2. End before the age of two