Safest way to co-sleep??

[DiannaQ]

Hi there All

just wondering what is the safest way to co-sleep?? also would you recommend getting one of those inserts to ensure that you don't roll onto the baby and vice versa??

My DD has her unsettled period around 4.30am every morning lasting for quite a few hours and I am totally EXHAUSTED!! - she seems to settle much easier in bed with me but I'd like to make sure that I'm doing it correctly - iykwim

TIA

[Heaven]

There is an article on the BB main site here

It has these guidelines at the end:

Safe Co-sleeping

• Do not sleep with your baby if you are under the influence of any substance such as alcohol or medication (even if prescribed) that could induce a deeper sleep and reduce awareness of your baby (either partner).
• Do not co-sleep if you are a smoker (either partner).
• Sleep on a firm, flat surface (not a waterbed, couch or sofa).
• Keep baby’s head uncovered and do not use doonas, to avoid overheating.
• If you have long hair, tie it back, and consider that very large breasts or extreme obesity may reduce awareness of your baby’s position.

Hope that helps
I read in another thread that people found those insert things annoying and took up too much room.

[yummymummy]

the hospital i went to taught me how to co-sleep (awesome hospital). Basically you lie on your side with your arm facing outwards, the baby's head in your elbow, bubby facing your body. Like spooning and you can gently rest your other hand on your hip or on bubby's bum. As baby gets older you'll find that you'll be able to lie on our back with your arm the same and that bubby will eventually roll onto their back in your arms as they get comfortable. If you lie this way it is nearly impossible to roll over onto you baby as you'd have to nearly dislocate your arm first to do so iykwim?? Just watch if you have big boobies (i have an f-cup size eek) that you don't smother them with your breasts, so make sure that they are in your elbow and no closer.

i would definently dress bubby lightly as with your body heat they stay pretty warm and particularly with the heat this time of year you don't want to overheat bub.

[yummymummy]

oh and when you wake up to turn over in the night (trust me you'll wake up feeling uncomfortable) just bring your arm up with them in it, put them on your tummy as you roll over and transfer them into the other arm - simple!