Co-sleeping promotes intimacy and efficiency in breastfeeding. This practice is not without controversy. Some people believed that cosleeping put the baby in danger.
Since the dawn of humanity, co-sleeping is a common practice. Around the globe, people keep their babies close at night. Others have their babies in a crib while others place them in the family’s bed or a sleeper attached to it. In practice, co-sleeping means that the infant sleeps in the same room with the parents or caregivers. Assuring that the baby is monitored during sleep.
Each year, the number of kids using gadgets increases. This is a concern for doctors, as these devices can have serious effects on the development and growth of children.
We have influenced our children with our gadget-filled lifestyle. Some kids are as young as one year. They can be entertained by watching videos or playing games. Many parents use this to take a break from babysitting.
Co-sleeping is often mistaken for sharing a bed with your child. However, there are different types of cosleeping.
Shared room: Here, parents and children share a bedroom but they sleep in separate beds. The baby may be in a bassinet or crib while the parents sleep in the family bed.
This is where the baby shares a bed with its parents. Some include siblings. Many breastfeeding advocates support this type of co-sleeping because it is convenient. The baby should have easy access to the mother’s breast.
Sidecar arrangement: the baby’s crib is attached to your bed. It is possible to achieve this by using a bedside sleeping system, which could be a bassinet or crib with at least one removable panel. It can be attached to the bed of the parents. It allows parents and babies to feel as if they are on the same bed, but each with their own personal area.
Many doctors and parents are concerned about the risk factors of co-sleeping, as they are linked to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Suffocation can be caused by a soft duvet or pillow, a mattress that is too soft, or if you use softer blankets and pillows. Memory foam beds, for example, are too soft to be used by babies. They can cause breathing problems and engulf the infant. Duvets and blankets. Pillows, on the other hand, can be flipped over onto the baby’s face and block the airways.
Gadgets and their negative impact on children
- Eye problem developing – blue light from gadgets can cause eye strain, which may lead to myopia. The eyes are unable to see objects in the distance. Eye dryness can also be caused by staring at screens for too long. This is manifested as redness, itching, tears and a sand-like feeling. Eye dryness may cause corneal abrasion and inflammation, which can result to blindness.
- Attention Deficit – Children who spend too much of their time using gadgets may develop ADHD-like signs. ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects children. The symptoms include difficulty paying attention, difficulty focusing, being easily distracted, forgetfulness and restlessness.
- Attention deficit can have a significant impact on a child’s learning ability. In addition, gadgets may make children preoccupied and cause them to lose their interest in other activities.
Co-sleeping can cause strangulation as the infant’s head could be caught in the gap between the mattress and headboard. The infant’s head could also be covered by curtains that are near the bed. The risk that a baby will fall off the bed or bump their head into the wall or be rolled by an adult, older sibling, or a parent is also present.
Doctors still believe that co-sleeping is the best way to take care of babies while they sleep, despite the risks. As long as safety guidelinesare adhered to.
Parents are strongly advised to avoid sharing a bed with their infants by many healthcare professionals. The risks include: suffocation and strangulation; being rolled over; bumping the head against the wall , or falling off the bed . Infants can die from any of these causes. You should place your baby in a crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper so that he/she has his/her own space and is not exposed to these dangers.
To avoid suffocation, it is important to place your baby on their back and not their chest. Sleeping with the infant on his/her back can make it difficult for him/her to breathe. Don’t leave stuffed animals, toys, blankets or pillows in your child’s crib. These items can also cover the baby’s head, suffocating them.
Keep the infant’s bed away from cords, cabinets and hanging items that could fall into the bassinet or crib. If you are using a bedside sleeping system, ensure that the bed of your child is attached securely to yours. You should leave no room for an infant to fall between the beds. When dressing your baby for sleep, avoid wearing extra clothing as it may cover the mouth and nose of your baby.
- Unacceptable Behavior – Never pacify children with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. These devices can be very addictive, especially for children. The gadgets can become addictive and they may not want to give them up. The gadgets can cause tantrums every time they are taken from them.
- Lack of social skills– Time spent on gadgets takes away time from the child to engage in social interactions. While children may enjoy playing with their electronic devices, they need to develop social skills in order to have real friendships and the confidence to interact with others.
- Obesity Sitting on chairs for hours with electronic devices in their hands will not burn calories. Children must move their muscles in order to sweat, burn fat, and remain healthy. The obesity can continue into adulthood, which can cause serious health issues. Diabetes, stroke, and heart disease are just a few.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. These substances can make you sleep deeply, and unaware of your surroundings. It is important to stay alert as a parent even at night. You may be needed to give your baby milk, change a diaper or calm him/her down. You should always wake up when your baby is crying.
It is important that babies sleep with their parents. Co-sleeping with your child is essential to ensure that you are able to respond to their needs and protect them from harm. This article is intended to be helpful. I hope that you will use the safety tips you have learned and implement them when you co-sleep with your baby.
