mommyof3

I would never have my children sleep in my bed with me but it is not strictly for safety reasons. I feel that if you have them in the bed with you all the time when they are younger, they have a hard time transferring to a bed of their own later. If they are used to you constantly being there then they have a hard time sleeping alone. They sell an alarm system now that can prevent SIDS. I had it for my kids. It has a sensor mat that goes under the crib sheet and it detects babies motion/breathing. If it stops for more than 5 seconds a very loud alarm goes off to alert you. I would much rather use this than risk rolling over on my infant.

Bun

We co-slept, too. Never had a problem. If I felt I was overtired, or if I was going to take a medicine that caused drowsiness, I had someone else keep the baby while I slept, but otherwise, my baby was with me.

There are other differences that affect SIDS occurrence differences - such as vaccinations. But that's a debate for a different thread.

Momma09

I see co-sleeping as a matter of personal preference. My son has been in his crib since day one. When he gets older, he will certainly be welcome to sleep with me if he has a bad dream or just wants to fall asleep watching a movie with me or something. I have friend whose oldest is now 16 and she slept with her mom until she was almost 13. My friend's youngest is 6 months and she plans on co-sleeping with her the same way she did with the first - as long as it works for the child, it works for mom.

LoveMaGirl

I think that is the most important thing-that a mother who is so exhausted from being up all night tending a crying child is more likely to overlie the baby. A mother who is rested better because they tend to baby before they get upset-and so lose less sleep overall-are more responsive. Therefore preparation and doing things right are important.

That includes not allowing the baby to be under adult bedding, near pillows and so on-and I hate to say this-but away from dad too. Experts have shown that when next to mom, or cradled by mom whilst not smothered by blankets or pillows, they are safe.

jaxdad

I believe that once they are in their own room in their own bed they should not be climbing into the parents bed any more.