It’s not uncommon for parents to sleep with their babies. This is usually done out of a sense of compassion and love, but it can also be a way to help create a bond between parent and child. However, there are many dangers associated with this practice that people should know before they decide to co-sleep with their baby.

It happened to a young Dutch couple (wieg of ledikant). They were sound asleep in their bed when their four-month-old baby rolled over onto them and suffocated. Tragically, this is not an isolated case. In the United States, hundreds of babies die each year from co-sleeping accidents.

There are several reasons why sleeping with your baby can be dangerous, and we will discuss why sleeping in the same bed as your baby might not be such a good idea after all!

Accidental Deaths

Many accidental infant deaths are associated with co-sleeping. These include suffocation, entrapment, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). So, if you are sleeping in bed with your baby, it is vital to make sure that there is nothing else in the bed other than yourself and your baby. For example: do not sleep next to a pillow. Also, make sure that there are no heavy blankets near your baby’s head.

Babies Can Roll Over

It is important to remember that babies can roll over and become trapped between the mattress and the wall, or they can become wedged against a parent’s body. This increases the risk of suffocation and accidental death that we ought to be wary of.

Increased Risk of SIDS and Respiratory Disorders

Parents often report that their baby had more colds, coughs, wheezing episodes, pneumonia, flu-like symptoms when they co-sleep with their child than if the infant slept in a crib alone.

This is mainly because babies are exposed to all types of germs when co-sleeping, and since their immune system is not yet developed, they will become sitting ducks for the myriad of airborne germs and viruses.

Falling Out of Bed

Babies can accidentally fall out of the bed while co-sleeping with an adult. This often leads to permanent or life-threatening injuries that will burden us with increased medical bills. Instead of living with guilt or taking the risk, why not buy a separate crib and regain peace of mind?

Exposure to Smoke, Alcohol, and Drugs

Sometimes parents fall asleep while smoking or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances can be hazardous for babies because they are much more sensitive than adults; even a tiny amount might trigger serious illness (SIDS) in infants! It is crucial not to co-sleep if you are under the influence of any substances.

Separation Anxiety

Babies who co-sleep with their parents often have trouble sleeping independently and might develop separation anxiety later in life. This can be very detrimental to a child’s emotional health and should be avoided if possible.