by Rebecca K.

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

There are massive debates on whether or not co-sleeping is safe for infants. I think the correct answer is that cribs and sharing a family bed are as safe or unsafe as you make them.

As a new mom, I opted to breastfeed my son. I had intended to have my child sleep solely in a crib but found at night I would lie down to feed him in bed and fall asleep with him next to me. Now my intentions were to return him to the crib after feeding but my exhaustion provided a cozy new sleeping arrangement.

For us, co-sleeping worked from then-on. It was convenient, and I felt I was very alert to my son's proximity. Sometimes I would wake from sleep suddenly just to check his breathing. I'm not sure whether I was just having a nightmare about him having trouble or if he was sleeping soundly and was breathing differently. Research has been done also to indicate a mother is in-tune to her infant's breathing and would wake up if something was wrong.

I don't feel co-sleeping is right for every family or situation. Experts warn not to co-sleep if you or your spouse has been drinking or are on medications. These things may cause you to be less aware of the baby and could cause a person to roll on them accidentally, they said.

Also for co-sleeping you need to make sure the bed isn't covered with a big, fluffy comforter that could suffocate the baby. I just used light sheets and slept on top of the sheets. When needed we used a light blanket and had no problems.

Experts also warn to make sure the bed isn't against a wall or window where the baby can roll and get trapped or suffocated. And common sense says, make sure baby doesn't fall out of bed.

Another issue with co-sleeping is when to stop. I stopped co-sleeping at around five months or so when my son began to roll around. At that point it was unsafe for him to sleep with us for fear he'd fall off the bed and he had to go to his crib. Getting him used to the crib was a challenge at first and a down-side, but after about a week, he was sleeping soundly in his own bed.

Cribs are supposed to be the safest place for baby, but are they really? Just look at all the crib recalls making headlines. I must say at times I'm afraid to put my child to bed. I check for recalled cribs frequently to make sure my son's isn't one of them. Also, experts recommend checking the crib hardware once a month and tightening everything to prevent injury.

Where ever you choose to have your baby sleep, just use some common sense and things should be alright. There is only right for you and your family, not a universal right to the debate of co-sleeping.

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