The safest place for babies to sleep is in their own crib, which meets all recommended safety requirements. However, if you choose to breastfeed a baby in your bed, follow these guidelines and take extreme caution in doing so:
Use a stiff, firm mattress (no featherbeds or waterbeds)
No couches or bean bags
Use a mattress that fits tightly, with no space between the mattress,
headboard or wall
No pillows, soft toys, stuffed animals, blankets or clothing around baby's face
No heavy blankets or comforters
Mom sleeps next to baby, and between baby and any adult or child in the bed
Use approved bed rails to keep baby from falling out of bed
Place baby on back or side to sleep
Leave baby's arms and legs free do not wrap or swaddle
There are times when you should never sleep with your baby. Do not sleep in your bed with the baby if you or any occupant in the bed is:
Under influence of alcohol, drugs or other prescription or over the counter medications that can cause drowsiness
A smoker
Very overweight
Very sick
Very tired
A heavy sleeper (hard to wake up)
Do not sleep with your baby if the baby is very sick.
Do not leave your baby alone in your bed for any reason.
Use special caution with infants younger than four months of age.
With twins, sleeping with more than one baby in your bed is not recommended.
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