What's the official medical reason to keep your baby sleeping in room with you until 6 months?

[nellypope]

The Dept of Health recommend that your baby sleeps in the same room (not bed) with you until they are 6 months old. I am interested in knowing what actual medical benefits there are to this, as there must be some kind of medical evidence to support this advice! I have a three month old who sleeps far better in her own room. As I understand it by having your baby in the room with you the chances of cot death are apparently reduced, but how?

[redcrx]

i think baby will hear and copy parents breathing to a point.

i too had a baby who slept much more soundly in own room, didnt like my snoring lol

[suzie1]

chances of a cot death are reduced if a baby sleeps in your room, as you willl always be checking on him or her....in his or her room you wont be keeping an eye on her/him as regular as you will in your own room, thats what i find, this is based on my own personal opinion, my kids have always moved out of my room at the age of 2, i know thats a long time to have them in your bedroom, but i didnt want them to get ill or something and me not notice, being in the other room. Although many people do think its easier and better for their children to be in seperate rooms right from the start, its up to the individual to decide how their baby is getting on....but the baby is better in mummy and daddys bedroom for the first 6 months at least

[Panic Button]

I think it is to stop you getting pregnant too soon after the birth.

[andy-hughes]

Babies recognise their mothers in the first few weeks by smell. It comforts baby to have mum nearby - baby knows she is near, and it's often easier for mum to tend to baby quickly when feeding at night.

Obviously babies and parents vary, but the foramtion of that bond is important.

[nellypope]

Thanks everyone!

[tamborine]

keep your babe in bed with you.....the rhythm of your heartbeat comforts the babe, easier to feed & you will get more sleep.