There are many reasons that I choose to co-sleep with my children
Besides the main reason
That after losing Tilda to SIDS
I have to be able to see and feel them breathe
For the past 5 years I have shared my bed
With Edie or Bea
Wrapped around them
To protect them
And knowing that if they die
They will not be alone
With both my rainbow babies
David and I have a king size mattress
Bought with co-sleeping in mind
It is wide enough for us to share with our children
It is firm and supportive
A child cannot sink into it
When buying a mattress
Explore all the options
And ensure that you choose the best mattress you can for bed sharing
We follow safer sleep guidelines in our bed
In my bed I have no covers
Or I have a light breathable cover wrapped tightly round me
I do not use a pillow
I sleep on my left side
Curled in a C shape
So Edie lies on her back
Between my arm and my raised knee
She has no covers unless it is really cold
And then she wears a Grobag
I always adjust what Edie wears
To allow for heat radiating from me
Our room is always between 17 – 19 degrees
Unless the weather is extreme
So Edie usually sleeps in a sleepsuit and vest
Lying on her back next to me
Turning her head to latch on to feed
I can feel her breathing
I can hear the inhale and exhale
Often the gentle rhythm of her snoring
And I can see her
Every night
Every single night
I sleep with the light on
My Logistical Tips For Co-Sleeping
You need a big enough bed for all sleeping in it to have space to lie flat
A firm mattress is best and safest for baby
As a parent invest in thermal pyjamas and bed socks
Do not use pillows or duvets or any loose coverings
Keep baby at the right temperature with their clothing and Grobag
Sleep with a light on so that you can see baby to check their position and breathing
Sleep in the protective C position to keep baby safe beside you
Sleep in the centre of the bed so that baby cannot fall out
Follow The Lullaby Trust guidelines for when you MUST not sleep with your baby
For more advice and discussion around co-sleeping
I have enjoyed reading this co-sleeping guide
Read more about our bed sharing journey and SIDS here
This is a collaborative post