I hope this guide has given you some useful information to help you make some informed decisions about which arrangements and techniques are right for helping your family get a safe and healthy night’s sleep. As you have seen, there is often scientific evidence that supports both sides of an argument and making decisions that effect your baby is never an easy process.
You should always try to pay attention to the new information that comes out in the media that relates to baby sleep issues. This is because science is advancing all the time and every once in a while there is an important discovery that all the experts agree upon. For the most part however, it’s up to you to weigh up both sides of the argument and decide what is right for your family and unique circumstances. We have seen that there is certainly no ‘one size fits all’ approach to parenting. You should try to approach the
media stories with a sceptical eye as they often leave out some crucial information and sometimes have a hidden agenda. I read one report for example, that concluded that cosleeping was dangerous. However, when I investigated it further, I discovered that the report was commissioned by a cot-manufacturer! If you are in any doubt over an issue, read some more literature on the subject, or if you are concerned, consult your paediatrician.
Good luck and remember that sleeplessness nights go hand in hand with having a baby and the time your baby takes to adjust to adult sleeping patterns is in no way related to your skills as a parent. Every baby is different and his or her temperament and physiology will ultimately dictate the amount of times he or she gets you up in the night.
This guide has hopefully taught you some techniques for helping with the situation but there certainly is not a safe ‘quick fix’ solution.
So in summary, follow the advice, have confidence in the informed decisions that you make and stick by them. Use the techniques that I have discussed but if you have any concerns when making your decisions, you may wish to talk them through with a doctor.
Otherwise, informed knowledge and common sense are the best way to go. Whichever decisions you make remember that if you put the baby’s safety first (as I’m sure you always do) then you can’t go far wrong.
