Let’s Talk More About Cosleeping

I never had the slightest doubt that talking about the safety guidelines around cosleeping would stir up some controversy. The popularity of cosleeping is on the rise, and those parents who do share a bed with their babe are quite passionate about the issue. Upon posting my previous article on the topic, quite a few of those mothers took to social to point out two very true facts: Number one, I am not a doctor, and number two that one doctor known for his attachment parenting philosophy says cosleeping is the best thing for baby.

I’m the first to admit that neither of those points are up for debate. I don’t have a medical degree, but what I do have is an amazing group of medical advisors on my team who help keep me informed and up to date on the latest in pregnancy, baby, and child health and safety—there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and I want to ensure that the advice I’m giving (and following in my own home!) is solid. Beyond that, the 62,000 pediatric doctors who comprise the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly warn against cosleeping, as the majority of infant deaths from one to twelve months are related to incidents of bed sharing. Everyone takes advice from the people they trust, but to me, it makes the most sense to trust an established and respected group of tens of thousands of doctors who really know their stuff.

And even with the best intentions, sometimes people who are trying to follow the AAP’s guidelines get them wrong and continue to spread dangerous misinformation. For instance, The Charleston Gazette out of West Virginia recently printed an article on a new safe sleep campaign being launched to address the high number of infant deaths in their state. While I was heartened to see that the experts quoted in the article said all the materials and approaches are built off the AAP’s guidelines, the article goes on to state that to sleep, the baby should be outfitted in only a diaper, sleeper, and light blanket. Say what?! Yes, you read that correctly. A light blanket. Meanwhile, the AAP specifically states on their site that “the crib or bassinet should be free from toys, soft bedding, blankets, and pillows.” Clearly, someone hasn’t done their homework, and that gaffe could endanger babies’ lives.

I point this out only to assure you that the facts I give you when it comes to issues like cosleeping are well-researched facts, not opinion—and I have Mama Hawk type vigilance when it comes to ensuring the safety of our little ones. Oh yes, I do have some strong opinions (and heaven knows, I love a good debate when it comes to things like nursery décor or bedtime rituals—more on those later!), but when precious little lives are on the line, I go straight to the pros, because let’s face it, even one loss is one too many.