This is how pediatricians recommend safe co-sleeping with the baby

Safe co -sleeping is a fairly common practice among all families in the world. Despite the fact that the term may seem quite recent, co -sleeping is a practice that has always been present when it comes to caring for and pampering our little angels while we also try to rest.  

For example, when they are very small, it is common to fall asleep with them in bed. Tiredness and sleepiness of both always favor these situations. Also, when they are a little older and arrive at their parents' bed after a nightmare, sometimes it is difficult to send them back to their usual bed.  

These realities are, after all, common co-sleeping practices that most moms and dads in the world have experienced. The luck is that, at present, there are several ways to practice co-sleeping in a much safer way so that it does not entail any risk for the baby.  

Forward! Do not cut yourself! We are going to see what the so-called safe co-sleeping is , when it is recommended, in which cases it is not recommended and what are the best options for an evolutionary cradle and mini cradle to practice it.

What is safe co-sleeping

Safe co-sleeping refers to the practice of sleeping with the newborn baby , or not, giving it its own independent space , although next to the parents, to rest and sleep avoiding all kinds of risks. This own space for the little one provides him with a suitable rest environment designed specifically for him .  

The Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality in the Clinical Practice Guide on breastfeeding recommends that , in order to practice co-sleeping safely, a sidecar crib or a bed with the ideal characteristics for co-sleeping is used .  

Alondra advises you  

A sidecar crib is one with which to practice co-sleeping with the crib attached to the parent's bed. Therefore, it must have specific characteristics and components that allow the cot to be attached to the large bed.  

Safe co-sleeping: Benefits

The need to have closer contact with the mother is greater in the first months of the baby's life. Co -sleeping allows children to provide a quick response to this need. 

Stay with these three advantages !

1. Tranquility

When the little one sleeps with you, he will be able to see you and feel closer. At that moment you will know that nothing bad can happen to you and, therefore, you will feel more relaxed . 

In addition, co-sleeping increases and reinforces the emotional bond between both parties. Caresses, massages or simple physical contact help calm any disturbance.

2. Rapid response for lactation

By having your little one by your side, the response time to breastfeed is shorter . This also reduces the time it takes for him to fall back to sleep, since his altered state hasn't been very long. 

On the other hand, having it more "at hand" allows breastfeeding to last longer and can become , during the first months , the only source of food for the baby .

3. Improved sleep

As a consequence of the previous benefits, your little one's sleep will be more placid and lasting . The state of relaxation provided by being close allows both the baby and the parents to sleep much better. 

This is all very well, but how to do safe co-sleeping without risks?

How to practice safe co-sleeping

The Spanish Association of Pediatrics, in the report Colecho , sudden infant death syndrome and Breastfeeding. Current consensus recommendations advise that infants under six months should sleep in their crib, on their backs and close to their parents .  

On the other hand, it also points out that breastfeeding the baby protects against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome . In fact, he points out that colecar favors this breastfeeding practice.  

Alondra's advice  

At Alondra we always try to keep you informed about everything you need to know to safeguard the safety of your little one at all times. However, we know that there are more susceptible issues that you should consult with medical personnel specialized in your pregnancy.  

For this reason, we recommend you talk to the professionals handling your case before making a decision when deciding whether or not to practice co- sleeping .  

In the Clinical Practice Guideline on Breastfeeding, a series of guidelines to be followed for safe co-sleeping are specified :

• It is recommended to practice it if the little one was born in the common estimated time, at term, and is healthy.  
• The baby should be breastfed on demand .  
• That parents or adults do not smoke , even if it is not in the presence of the little one.  
• Parents or adults do not have to consume alcohol, drugs or any medication that encourages a deeper sleep than usual.  
• The little one has to lie on his back , neither on his side nor on his stomach.  
• Do not shelter or over-clothe the baby and that the temperature of the room is 20º maximum. For this, it is important to know how to shelter a baby to sleep .
• Do not cover the head of the little one . Therefore, bedding accessories that may cause this situation should be avoided, such as unsuitable duvets or pillows.  
• The baby should sleep on a firm, safe and clean surface . That is to say, that it cannot fall or get trapped between the bed and the headboard or the wall. Also, do not leave other utensils or things on the bed, such as toys. Nor is it recommended that a pet come to share the bed of the little one.

Ensure the rest of your little one and learn how to choose the mattress for the baby's crib . All the details are very important!

When it is NOT recommended to practice co-sleeping

The AEP , in the same report ( Co-sleeping , sudden infant death syndrome and Breastfeeding. Current consensus recommendations ) , points out that co-sleeping is not recommended in some cases because it increases the risk of SIDS . These assumptions are:  

1. When infants are less than three months old . 
2. When they are premature or weigh little at birth. 
3. With parents who consume tobacco, alcohol, drugs or sedative drugs. 
4. When the parents are extremely tired , such as in the immediate postpartum period. 
5. When co-sleeping is practiced on surfaces that are too soft , on water mattresses, sofas or armchairs. 
6. When the bed is shared with other relatives , other children or with several people. 

( Committee on Nutrition and Maternal Breastfeeding of the AEP )

Mini cot and Alondra cribs suitable and designed for safe co-sleeping

At Alondra we are experts in creating evolutionary beds for the little ones in the house. Practical, versatile and functional cribs are our house specialty , that is why we adapt our furniture to the maximum so that they can cover various uses and stages of growth of babies .  

Today, of course, it's up to our beautiful co- sleeping cribs ! You are going to fall in love!

EQUO 5 in 1 co-sleeping crib 50x80 cm

At Alondra we always recommend a mini-crib for the baby's first months , since they are very manageable and comfortable beds. The 50x80 cm EQUO co -sleeping crib is the best for safe co - sleeping with a newborn , since it allows you to have your baby close at all times during the day and, at night, attached to the parent's bed. Super safe for the little one.

Due to its measurements, it is very easy to transport and temporarily install anywhere in the house where you are going to be. In addition, to make the life of a new dad or mom a little easier, the EQUO crib incorporates four wheels , which have a rubber band that prevents scratching the floor and prevents noise when moving it.  

The EQUO mini crib allows you to cover five stages of your baby's growth . To begin with, you can use it as a conventional crib or to practice co-sleeping . For this reason, it has seven different bed base heights and includes a set of anchoring straps so that the crib is perfectly attached to the bed.  

After these two uses, you can turn it into a small sofa , where your little one can spend their time playing or reading with maximum comfort. Also , you can transform the EQUO into a desk where your little angel can develop all his imagination and creativity from very early on. But, if you find it more practical, you can use it as a toy box , to store your most precious treasures;).

OMNI co-sleeping cot 5 in 1 60x120 cm

Another Alondra option to practice safe co-sleeping is the 60×120 cm OMNI co-sleeping cradle . It is one of the little beds with the most possibilities of transformation, since it is also a 5 in 1.  

As a conventional crib it is an excellent little bed and super easy to transport because it incorporates rubber wheels. Its dimensions, not as large as the 70x140 cm cribs, allow it to also be moved around the house, in case at any time you need to keep an eye on your little one.  

To use it as a co- sleeping crib , you must additionally purchase the OMNI co- sleeping kit , so don't forget to include it in your order! To perfectly adapt to the parents' bed, it has five bed base heights that, together with the kit, will allow the crib to be anchored and secured for co-sleeping .  

Once your baby is a little older and asks for a little more autonomy, you can transform his OMNI crib into a children's bed . To reinforce the safety of the bed, you can also additionally purchase the Alondra child barrier .  

As a way to take advantage of the purchase of this barrier, the OMNI is transformed into a children's sofa . For this use you must place the barrier downwards and thus cover the gap that may remain between the seat and the floor.

Finally, the crib becomes a desk with the measurements that your little one will need once it starts to grow. You can have your own space for work or fun. And all this in just one piece of furniture!  

The greatest advantage of the OMNI is that its various transformation possibilities considerably extend its useful life. For this reason it is a very good long-term investment . On the other hand, it is avery easy crib to assemble at home , so it is a perfect plan to do as a family.

Find out when it's time to move from co-sleeping to the crib ! Find out more about safe co-sleeping and up to what age to practice it.

Co-sleeping cot NEXO 4 in 1 60x120 cm

If you are one of the Alondra moms or dads who are crazy about design and modernity, wooden co-sleeping cribs are your thing. You'll love the NEXO 60x120 cm co-sleeping crib ! Just like its little sister NEXOR , with wood finishes, perfect for rooms with Nordic touches and the latest decoration fashion.  

As standard it is a crib and a desk, although, due to the philosophy that we follow at Alondra, we have managed to increase its possibilities of use, which is why it is a 4 in 1 .  

First of all, apart from a conventional crib, you can use it to practice co-sleeping , since it has five different bed base heights . But, for this, you must additionally purchase the same co-sleeping kit that we had with the OMNI, to ensure anchorage and the safety of the practice.  

On the other hand, you can turn it into a children's bed . It will be perfect to facilitate the transition of your little one to the large 90×200 cm bed. If you want to increase the safety of the bed you can additionally purchase the child barrier kit , also mentioned .  

To finish the evolution of the crib , you can turn the NEXO into a practical desk that your little one can use until they need a larger one, if necessary.  

As you have been able to verify, practicing safe co-sleeping is currently much easier and safer thanks to the various cribs that we have in Alondra. In addition, now we also have much more information that facilitates the task of parenting. On the other hand, health professionals specialized in pregnancy and pediatrics are the best advisors you can have in those moments of doubt with your baby. Consult with your specialist and decide what is best for you! 💕.

Frequent questions:

• What does the WHO say about co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping in children fed with human milk, without the risk factors mentioned and with parents responsible for implementing a safe sleep environment, does not increase the risk of sudden infant death. This guide does not exhaustively recommend the prohibition of co-sleeping.

• How to do co-sleeping safely?

The baby should sleep on his back, never on his stomach or on his side. The mattress should be flat and firm. ... You shouldn't sleep on a sofa. You must verify that the baby cannot fall out of bed or get trapped in any gap.

• When is it better to stop co-sleeping?

When is the ideal time? "There is no time, nor is there a specific age at which you should stop co-sleeping, since that is a decision of the couple or simply of the mother," explains Pamela Salinas Parra, postpartum doula, breastfeeding counselor and positive parenting guide