Baby co-sleepers
Kerri Stalton

While some parents are happy to use a crib for their sleeping babies and do not mind trudging up and down in the middle of the night for a feeding or a change, others feel more comfortable with their babies curled up near them. A co-sleeper actually refers to a baby bed that attaches itself to the side of the parent's bed. More specifically, one can think of a co-sleeper as a crib with one of the side rails detached to fit the adult's bed. The mattresses on both the beds are on the same level. So a parent can easily reach out to the baby. With a co-sleeper, the baby can sleep right next to his parent without actually being in the adult bed. However, in a broader sense, co-sleeping also refers to parents and children sharing the same bed.
Co-sleepers allay fears of parents who want their babies nearby but feel that sleeping in the same bed may cause unintentional injury to the child. Leading pediatricians and sleep research experts recommend co-sleepers because they boost the bonding process between parent and child while facilitating more comfortable care giving. Co-sleepers are convenient for parents too. When the baby wakes up in the middle of the night, trips to a separate room can be very tiring, especially when you are jolted from a deep sleep and have to make the journey hitting and bumping through furniture to reach the baby.
Some important safety features of co-sleepers:
Make sure that the two mattresses are on the same level.
If the co-sleeper has wheels, make sure that it can be locked.
Make sure that sheets and blankets on both beds stay fitted and cannot be pulled loose.
The mattresses should be flat, firm and smooth.
Make sure that rails or mesh rails protect your baby and that your baby has absolutely no way of rolling and falling off while you are asleep.
Avoid mattresses that have a dip in the center as both the parent and baby may gravitate to that area.

Ideally, a baby should be placed between his mother and the guardrail or the wall. Research proves that only mothers have the kind of deep sensitivity that allows them to come awake at the slightest noise the baby makes. Fathers, grandparents and caregivers may sleep through until the baby actually starts crying. If a mother feels that she too sleeps soundly enough to put her little one in jeopardy, she should seriously consider putting the baby in a crib near her. Never sleep with the baby after taking medications that induce sleep or after drinking alcohol. Never use ribbons, loose lace, strings or loose jewelry in bed if you plan to place your little infant near you. Before you leave the bed, make sure that your sleeping baby is completely safe in his bed and that you have enough safety devices in place to keep him from falling off.
Pros of co-sleeping:
Being close to the parent allows the baby to sleep deeply
Babies get more care giving
Co-sleeping increases frequency of breastfeeding
Long-term benefits include high self-esteem, more positive behavior and increased life satisfaction.
Co-sleeping is a decision that a parent has to make based on the baby's comfort and his or her own convenience. If you choose to sleep with your baby, a co-sleeper (as opposed to sharing your own bed) will ensure your baby's safety and will give you much-needed peace of mind.