How to Safely Co-Sleep – James McKenna, PhD

Co-sleeping is a practice that has been around for centuries, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Co-sleeping is when a parent and child sleep in the same bed, either in the same bed or in separate beds in the same room. It is a practice that is often recommended by pediatricians and other health professionals as a way to promote bonding and secure attachment between parent and child.

James McKenna, PhD, is a professor of anthropology at the University of Notre Dame and the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory. He is a leading expert on the practice of co-sleeping and has conducted extensive research on the subject. According to Dr. McKenna, co-sleeping can be a safe and beneficial practice for both parents and children, as long as certain safety guidelines are followed.

Benefits of Co-Sleeping

There are many benefits to co-sleeping, both for parents and children. For parents, co-sleeping can provide a sense of security and comfort, as well as a chance to bond with their child. It can also make nighttime parenting easier, as parents can respond quickly to their child’s needs.

For children, co-sleeping can provide a sense of security and comfort, as well as a chance to bond with their parents. It can also help children to sleep better, as they are able to feel their parent’s presence and be reassured that they are safe.

Safety Guidelines for Co-Sleeping

Although co-sleeping can be a safe and beneficial practice, there are certain safety guidelines that should be followed in order to ensure the safety of both parents and children.

First, it is important to make sure that the bed is safe. The bed should be free of pillows, blankets, and other soft objects that could pose a suffocation risk. The mattress should be firm and the bed should be free of any gaps or crevices that could trap a child.

Second, it is important to make sure that the child is not at risk of falling out of the bed. If the bed is too high, a bed rail should be used to prevent the child from falling out.

Third, it is important to make sure that the child is not at risk of overheating. The room should be kept at a comfortable temperature and the bed should be free of heavy blankets or comforters.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the child is not at risk of being smothered by the parent. The parent should not sleep on their stomach or side, and should not sleep too close to the child.

Conclusion

Co-sleeping can be a safe and beneficial practice for both parents and children, as long as certain safety guidelines are followed. By following the safety guidelines outlined by James McKenna, PhD, parents can ensure that their child is safe and secure while co-sleeping.

FAQs

What are the benefits of co-sleeping?

The benefits of co-sleeping include a sense of security and comfort for both parents and children, as well as a chance to bond with each other. It can also help children to sleep better, as they are able to feel their parent’s presence and be reassured that they are safe.

What safety guidelines should be followed when co-sleeping?

When co-sleeping, it is important to make sure that the bed is safe, that the child is not at risk of falling out of the bed, that the child is not at risk of overheating, and that the child is not at risk of being smothered by the parent.