Most parents will give some (or quite a lot) of thought during the pregnancy as to where their newborn baby will sleep. You may be shopping and comparing baby equipment for the nursery, dusting off an old family heirloom (such as cot or bassinet), or simply considering having your new baby in your own bed.
NOTE: Make sure any beds you intend to use are safe for your baby. Heirlooms, borrowed and second-hand furniture (and even new bedding) may not comply with current Australian safety requirements (or those in other countries). There is a wide selection of products to choose from, and certain safety aspects to consider when purchasing (or borrowing) baby bedding and equipment. This will be covered in more detail in
buying for baby.
Over the years, there have been many different 'trends' relating to where a baby should (or should not) sleep, particularly during the early weeks after the birth. (Of course, advice and opinion will come quickly and free of charge!) Both parents may need to talk about their own individual preferences for where the baby should sleep, and look at the advantages and disadvantages for each method. Remember, you can try one way and then change it (providing you have the space and relevant equipment available).
If your baby's sleeping arrangements are not working at any time (for whatever reason), then you can look at alternatives. Try not to feel pressured by family and friends about your preferred sleeping arrangements. Also, try to be flexible. Babies grow and change rapidly over the early weeks and months, meaning that sleeping arrangements may need to be adjusted occasionally to cater for this. Arrangements are also capable of being changed each night, and at different times of the night, depending on what is working for you and your baby.
The following looks at some choices for sleeping arrangements and suggest a few advantages and disadvantages that other parents have identified.