by Ariel Stephens

Created on: August 29, 2009

Co-sleeping with our son happened by accident. Because of our conflicting schedules, my husband working nights and me on days, I'd discover our tiny 6 week old and hubby snuggled in our king sized bed after I returned to work full time.

"If I'm sleeping, I'm afraid I won't hear him if he cries," he reasoned.

We never planned having baby in our bed. Until now, he slept soundly in his own bed tightly wrapped in blanket, his hands over his head as if he'd surrendered to sleep. But this reoccurrence developed into a habit and I'm glad it did.

At first, the idea seemed like a death trap. I'd read up on SIDS and how co-sleeping was frowned upon by the most of the medical community. Parents rolling over their children, infants getting wedged in between mattress and head or footboards or suffocating under heavy comforters or pillows. I spoke to my husband about this.

"But he's with his daddy," he said. That I understood. A child, more so an infant, comforted and secured by the only two people he or she knows and trusts immediately-mom and dad. Maybe this is why some side with the idea that infant co-sleepers are more likely to grow up feeling secure, which paves the way to independence.

As I researched further I found in countries that don't encourage babies sleeping separately from parents (called family beds) SIDS is much less prominent. There were safety precautions we implemented. Baby on his or her back always, removed heavy blankets and pillows, provided guards on the edge of the bed to keep baby from rolling onto the floor and it helps to have a king sized bed to discourage likelihood of suffocation and allow space.

Being a full time working mom left me little time with my new son. I'd come home and literally have four hours to cram in quality time, prepare dinner, laundry, pump, clean and sterilize bottle and nipples and tidy up so my early morning baby-sitter wouldn't be afraid to come over. So when nighttime came, I eagerly cuddled up to my little guy for some catch-up bonding. Having him close meant easier feedings and responding quickly to any whimpers or cries. With my husband working nights, I felt more comfortable having my son curled up next to me. Some nights, when I wanted the bed to myself, he'd snooze in his Pack 'N Play near the bed. During laundry day, I'd shake the sheets out only to hear several pacifiers fall to the floor.

After 8 months in the big bed and some discussion, my husband and I decided to place him in his crib. We figured he's more alert to associate sleep with certain objects and wanted to avoid attachment for him. And us. His increased mobility also threatened his safety. I thought my nights would be sleepless listening to his wailing and missing our nightly snuggle sessions. Surprisingly, the first night I laid him in his crib he woke up once. Since then we've tiptoed in his room to pop his binky back in his mouth, but overall pretty smooth transition. I don't even think he misses us!

Co-sleeping fit perfectly into our situation, but it's not for everyone. Some gawk and shake their heads just thinking about, others enjoy their little one cozied up for the night next to them. Whatever the reason, make sure each sleep situation is handled safely and do your research. Good night!

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