 | ||
|
| |    Infant Co-sleepers by Susan E. Davis and Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. If you'd like your baby to sleep next to you, but not, perhaps, with his nose tucked into your cleavage all night, several companies make bedside sleepers, also called co-sleepers. This type of baby bed is a variation on a portable crib (often collapsible for easy storage) that provides an enclosed sleeping surface at the same height as that of a standard adult bed. However, they also come equipped with the ability to lower, open, or remove one side to allow easy interaction between parents and baby. Typically, a piece of fabric or other securing device also comes with the co-sleeper to allow you to safely attach the co-sleeper to your bed. Some parents find co-sleepers to be quite useful, as they keep the baby conveniently nearby but still safely set apart in her own space. There are some downsides to using one, however. Unless the co-sleeper and the bed fit snugly and securely together, you should be aware that there is some danger that a baby's face or head could get wedged in the gap between the two beds, potentially leading to suffocation. And even if your baby is three feet away, she can still wake you with her tossing, turning, moaning, and groaning. Besides, by the time your infant's able to move around--that can be as early as three months if she's a good squirmer--she may be able to make her way right over to your warm body, anyway--or wake you with her frustrated grunts as she tries. Finally, you'll likely pay between $100 and $200 for this equipment, which your baby may outgrow within six months, depending on the model. At least one company, however, makes models that convert to a diaper changer and playpen or even to a bookshelf and art easel. Such conversions can extend the product's usefulness. When shopping for a co-sleeper, look for:
| |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About Us |
Contact Us |
Our Partners Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service © Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved. THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com
provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care
professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement
of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee,
or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full
Terms of Service. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
