The latest research reported in the medical journal BMJ Open and conducted in the U.K. found that parents who co-slept with their children are five times more likely to have a baby die of SIDS compared to other babies left in their cribs.

In the past, specialists and scientists have made steps to try and revise official guidance on co-sleeping and cot death, to recommend that parents should never let their children sleep in bed beside them (currently, only the Netherlands and the US advise against bed-sharing until baby is at least three months old).

Led by Professor Bob Carpenter of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the findings of the study are significant because they relate to babies under three months whose parents are thought to be at low-risk for their newborn dying because they do not smoke and the mother does not drink alcohol and does not take illicit substances (factors which are all associated with SIDS).

The research shows that about half of parents sleep with their baby occasionally or regularly (either deliberately slept with baby or because they unintentionally fell asleep beside them). Researchers found that cot death caused about 2,000 deaths a year but recent changes in behavior (especially in parents putting their child to sleep on their back), have seen fatalities fall to just 287 a year across the U.K in 2010. Only about half of those deaths occurred, Carpenter said, in cases when parents and baby were sharing a bed.

Throughout the study, Carpenter and his team of researchers looked at the results of five previous SIDS studies which involved 1,472 cases of cot death and 4,679 normal babies. From the study, researchers concluded that 81 percent of cot deaths among babies under three months whose parents did not exhibit the normal risk factors associated with SIDS could be avoided if parents always ensured their child was sleeping separately from them. They found that doing so could prevent about 130 of the U.K.’s annual toll of sudden infant deaths.

Carpenter said that, “Bringing a baby into bed temporarily to feed or comfort it is acceptable, but only if it is put back into its cot immediately afterwards.”

Currently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns parents not to place their infants to sleep in adult beds, affirming that the practice puts babies at risk of suffocation and strangulation. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the practice of room-sharing with parents without bed-sharing, stating that room-sharing is a way to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Within the United States, parents who do co-sleep feel that it strengthens their bonds with baby and is a natural way to breastfeed throughout the night.

Do you think that the U.S. guidelines on co-sleeping are safest for baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Decrease Baby’s Risk of SIDs

Myths and Truths About Co-Sleeping

Co-Sleeping With Baby?

It’s time to register for baby! Don’t you just love that bright pink, sparkly, flowery diaper bag? We do too! But, er, daddy might not. So, how do you decide between a bag you LOVE and a bag that you can both use? Do you go for one mutually agreed upon bag or one for each of you (OMG! I can have the sparkles?!)? Our Bumpies on the September 2013 Birth Month Board shared their thoughts on man bags.

“We almost got my husband his own (actually put it on the registry), but we ended up with one. It’s girly (it’s a Petunia Picklebottom), but he has no problem using it when needed.  t would be so much work to have two, I think. I keep an emergency diaper/wipe kit in each of our cars, but otherwise, we just use the one diaper bag.” – a2003tige*

“We registered for two and each picked out one. That said, the plan is to have one be the primary one and keep the other stashed in the car so we always have one.” – foxyroxy

“I saw an amazing “dad bag” at Burlington that we plan to register for him for. It’s made by fisher price and is actually a diaper back pack, it has a special slot for immediate diaper wipe access, it’s so cool!” -- LilPez

“We always two. You don’t want him to feel awkward if yours is frilly.” – luminousb

“We just have one. Mine is very girlie. My husband doesn’t really care. If he and our son are gong to go someplace for a long time where he would really need to be “carrying” my bag, he puts the stuff into something else. But a lot of times he will just take my bag and leave it in the car.” – RunningGal

“I would never want to try to keep 2 bags stocked and ready to go and switching stuff back and forth sounds like too much effort. My husband takes our one and only bag when he takes her places. It’s gray and yellow, but it is a more feminine print. He couldn’t care less.” – AshleyPT

“My husband will have a backpack with everything he needs. He would never carry a diaper bag!” – mgerman

“My husband is looking forward to his manbag!! I am going to going to get him one for father’s day this year.” – NicknShan

*Some names have been changed.

You tell us: Will you or do you have a daddy-friendly diaper bag?

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Get Your Partner Involved (and Excited!) About Baby’s Registry

10 Fun Gifts for Your Registry

Skip and Splurge: What You Need and What You Don’t!

It actually hurts my heart to say that tonight The Office will air for the final time. After nine seasons, the cameras on Dunder Mifflin will shut off and the series so many have loved (including me!) will retire to the rerun hall of fame forevermore. But instead of dwelling on the sad, there have been so MANY lovable moments over the course of the series to make us smile — especially the hilarious, off-the-cuff parenting and pregnancy, Jim and Pam, Michael and Dwight moments from the entire cast.

From Michael’s outrageous baby shower planning to the adorable arrival of baby Halpert, here are nine of our favorite moments. May they live on forever!

1. Baby Astrid

2. Why Stanley Doesn’t Like Pregnant Women

3. Pam’s Water Breaking

4. Dwight Plays ‘Shrute or Consequences’

5. Dwight’s Watermelon Water Breaks

6. Pam and Angela Are Pregnant!

7. Dunder Mifflin Reacts to Pam’s Pregnancy

8. Dwight Dishes on Pam’s Pregnancy

9. Baby Halpert — Every Step of the Way!

What was your favorite moment from The Office?

Plus, more from The Bump:

20 Moments That Make You Realize You’re a Mom

“Holy Crap! I’m a Mom!”

Reactions to Positive Pregnancy Tests

There are some days where I hate the Internet and then there are days that I kiss the earth and thank tech teams the world over for this marvelous invention — and today is one of those days. For Mother’s Day, two men set out to confirm what all women know is true: men don’t understand what a contraction feels like. So, thanks to the help of a very friendly doctor and some high-tech contraction-simulating devices, these guys were able to feel what women in labor experience — from start to finish. Before stepping foot in the doctor’s office, the men say that, “According to women, childbirth is the worst kind of pain there is” and they follow it up by also saying that, “According to women, us men can’t handle anything.”

So… is it true? Is childbirth the worst kind of pain there is — and can men handle it?

The proof, my Internet friends, is, as they say, in the contraction-pudding. Check out the video right here:

How hilarious is this video? While I feel for these guys (and cringe at the thought of one day giving birth!), I couldn’t help myself from rewinding the video time and time again to laugh at their reactions as labor got progressively more intense. The moment the one man says, “STOP SMILING!” I actually spit out my coffee because I just wasn’t expecting their reactions to be so on point! Also give their wives kudos for grabbing ice, water and holding hands for some added support!

Do you think your husband could handle labor?

Plus, more from The Bump:

What Do Contractions Feel Like?

Signs of Labor?

Is Back Pain a Sign of Labor?

You just popped out a little one, dad is looking to have a little fun and you can’t even stomach the thought of having that go in there (just yet!). We’ve got the inside scoop from our Bumpies on the Babies: 0 – 3 Months board on how long they waited to have sex after baby.

“We tried at 4.5 weeks — it didn’t work so, we stopped. Tried again at 5.5 weeks…was a tad bit better than the week before but nowhere near prebaby sex. As far as I can tell it will take quite some time to feel right… it’s uncomfortable but not horribly painful.” — LeeB*

“Yesterday was my 6-week appointment so, 6 weeks. Ha! My husband even went out and bought condoms yesterday since I’m not on birth control yet. I think he was a little eager! It was definitely nowhere near prebaby sex but better than late-pregnancy sex.” — InkedMeg

“I waited until I was cleared by my OB at 6 weeks. I had a c-section and the first time still sucked. Lots and lots of lube.” — mabener1

“We waited 7 weeks…  it doesn’t feel like it used to… its not bad, just not the same… I’m sure there’s still some healing to be done!” — Shaungel

“I will wait until the doctor clears me.  I had a c-sectoin and am hoping it isn’t horrible when we resume that particular activity. My sex drive went into the toilet when I got pregnant and is just now returning so waiting is really hard!” — tig59

“Basically, you just need to give it a go. If it hurts, you stop. Start out really slow and use lots of lube!” — Megss1

*Some names have been changed.

Tell us: How long did you wait to have sex after baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Revving Up Your Sex Life After Baby

Having Sex After Baby?

Tips for Healing After Birth

I know a lot of dads that feel nervous, anxious about holding, feeding and bonding with baby during those first few months together. I was one of those dads, too. I wanted to make sure I did everything right, but to be honest, it was terrifying. Spending that special time with one another, though, is so important and you’ll be so glad you did it. So before (and after!) baby makes his debut, here are a few ways you can get comfortable with your little guy:

1. Get talking! While the baby is still in the womb, start talking to him or her. Whenever you have the chance, talk to the baby because it is the sound of your voice, more so than what you are saying, that is important.

2. Fake it ’til you make it… literally. Before baby comes, practice holding an infant. Maybe it’s your niece or nephew or maybe you’re just holding a sack of blankets in your arms. Get comfortable with it! And when baby does finally arrive, hold him a lot. Any chance you have to hold the baby, take it. If mom is done breastfeeding, if the baby is waking up in the middle of the night, if you just came home from work, take your baby in your arms. It’s your time together.  The more time you spend wrapped up in each other, the more baby will learn your hold a and feel your confidence.

3. Ask to change baby’s diaper. Seriously, dads — ask! It may not be the most pleasant smelling experience, but it’s another opportunity to spend time with baby.

4. Pay attention and you’ll be surprised how quickly baby pays attention to you! Your child will watch you and learn from you from the day they are born to the end of their lives, so just imagine that you are the star of your own reality TV show, and everything you do is being broadcast in high definition to your new baby. Pretty cool, huh? Some of my favorite moments with my children came between the ages of 18 months and 3 years!

5. Laugh together. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun this is. Finally, someone to laugh at every joke you make regardless of whether or not it’s actually funny! It’s one of the most magical parenting experiences to hear your baby laugh for the very first time.

The bottom line is: get engaged with your children and babies from day one. There’s plenty to do! Enjoy every phase, moment and experience. You’ll be so glad you did!

How did your partner bond with baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Secret Thoughts of a Newbie Dad

Best Dad and Baby Photos Ever

10 Things All New Dads Should Know

First-time parenting can be a blur for many people: the lack of sleep, the confusion and the seriously fast transition between stages and phases of development can leave many first time parents feeling a little (fine! a lot) frazzled.

Being a second time mama (or dad!) can be so much more simple and enjoyable. Here’s why:

1. You know what the heck you’re doing.

Whether it’s knowing that your baby is just overtired,  overstimulated or just plain gassy, recognizing that they prefer to be rocked instead of sang to, or learning that your baby needs to be burped three times during a feeding instead of just once at the end — chances are your learning curve to your baby’s needs will be immensely faster. Because you’ve been through it before, your problem solving skills in most situations are better and quicker.

2. You realize that everything is a phase.

No matter how tough some phases of your child’s early development may be, as a second time parent, you recognize that it will pass. As a first time parent, it seems like some stages and phases of your small babe’s life can be never-ending. The late nights, the witching hour or even the non-stop spit-up are so much more tolerable when you know that there is a tangible end point coming down the pipeline.

3.  You’re too busy to stress out.

When you have your first child, it is common to anticipate every milestone, every change and every new development. Many new parents read countless books, get advice from numerous sources, and consult the pediatrician for every little hangnail. But when you have more than one child at home, time to stress about anything is few and far between. Some parents actually find themselves being surprised by milestones instead of anticipating them due to time moving so much more quickly because of simply being busier day to day.

What are some reasons why you feel second time parenting is easier?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Are You Ready for Another Baby?

Does Having a Second Child Make That Much of a Difference?

Moms Share: 13 Signs You’re Ready for Another Baby

There are some parents who do not believe in traveling with small children because they think that they won’t remember the trip, or maybe there’s too much to pack, or sleeping with a baby in tow might be difficult — or maybe they’re worried it’s too expensive. But then there are the other parents, like me, who love to travel with their children.

I think that these trips we take together help to build life long foundations with deep emotional roots and memories. My wife and I have traveled often with our kids, from inexpensive road trips, driving up the coast and staying in small motels or camping, to flying across the ocean to Hawaii, and we’re happy to say that every trip has been wonderful – in one way or another.  We’re raising our three-year-old, two-year-old, and 4-month -old to be great travelers.

Treat your trips as though the journey together is more important than the final destination. Teach them that the experience of going somewhere together matters just as much as the actual destination or vacation. Riding on a shuttle bus, an airport transport train, an airplane, a boat, or even just walking through large crowds and experiencing all the different sights, sounds, and types of people in the world matter so much to a child. Being there to experience with them? It’s priceless.

When we travel with our kids, we start talking about it and planning for it weeks in advance. We collect special books and toys and we discuss the things we’ll do. I think it is important to help set expectations and then review them once they actually happen. So we talk about going to the beach and the pool and about how we are going to fly there in an airplane; we discuss what things we need to pack and what items are important to bring with us. If we are flying and we pass a pilot walking through the airport we point him or her out and talk about their job and duties with our children; we do the same with TSA officers, airplane workers, and others.

Traveling with young children can definitely be hard at times — but you have to remember that you’re not going on an adult trip or vacation; there may not be any cocktails by the pool, but it’s going to be great nonetheless. It is a time to truly help grow and build your family bonds and in the end create a lifetime of travel and memories.

How do you prep for your family vacations?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Tips for Traveling With Baby

Baby Travel Checklist: What to Pack

Baby’s First Trip!

You are sitting there lovin’ on your little bundle of joy when it hits you — do I want another baby? Does my significant other want one? What if he wants another one, but I am happy with one? Our Bumpies on the Parenting Board shared their stories when when it came to discussing their future family plans. Hopefully their stories can help you!

“Being the one who has to carry the pregnancy and give birth is major. It’s not that your partner’s feelings don’t matter because he isn’t physically involved, but your thoughts on the physical side have to be given serious weight.” — Spine203*

“I think the one who wants fewer kids always wins if he or she is really stuck on it.” — RondackHik

“When my husband and I got married, we planned on having one child. I got pregnant and I changed my mind. I want two. Our agreement was that I’d hang onto the baby gear for a few years in case he’d change his mind. I probably bring up the topic too often. It’s something that’s important to me. I’d love to start trying to conceive in a few months, but I want him on board. It will be tough to let this go. It doesn’t help that so many of our friends are expecting or have newborns!” — MrsCodeMomy

“Originally, we wanted 3 or 4 and I was unsure. After this pregnancy, which involved preterm labor, a month of strict bed rest, and a difficult recovery after the birth, I told him I did not want to be pregnant ever again. He understood, as I believe most spouses would.” — amykins128

“I would like 1 more but husband is done. My want is based on nothing more than mommy emotions and his argument is practical, he is 45, and financially, we can’t afford it. He wins!” — mamarev123

“I wanted the option of one more but my husband felt strongly that we needed to be done. Pregnancy is physically very hard on me, and he didn’t want to risk another loss. He felt we had tempted fate enough, that financially we couldn’t easily handle another child. At the end, he was not going to change his mind and I feel both patents need to be on board completely.” — Scout2015

“I think that age and health issues aside, giving each other time to make these decisions is pretty important.  I’ve always wanted 4 kids, but my husband wanted two.  We’ve had discussions as to ‘compromising’ at 3, but we both realize that children are not something to easily compromise over. We agreed that we will see where we are from health and financial stand-points in a few years.  We won’t do anything drastic or permanent birth-control-wise until then.” — momkien

“I think the root of the discussion has to be both partners REASONS for wanting more kids (or not wanting more kids). I’d start any discussion of family building there.” — lindsaylot12

“We’re keeping an open, honest dialogue about how we feel without trying to push our agendas on each other.  My husband has already agreed that if I feel like I’m done, we’ll be done.  He is of the mindset that adding another child when one partner doesn’t want to isn’t healthy.” — eddi21

*Some names have been changed.

Tell us: How do you approach family planning conversations?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Does Having a Second Child Make That Much of a Difference?

Are You Ready for Another Baby?

13 Signs You’re Ready for Another Baby

One of the hardest challenges I face every day is the addictive desire to check my phone while I am with my kids. It seems I’m not alone, though. I see parents at the park, in the grocery store and at the library reaching for their phones.

I am talking about texting, emailing, and even making phone calls. I am horribly guilty of this; I see other people look at their phone, and I instinctively get a craving to check my own. It’s seems we’re all addicted: when the kids watch TV, parents watch their phones; when the kids play at the park, parents play on their phones.

The question we all have to ask ourselves is: how will this new technology and cell-phone reliance affect our children now and in the future? How will our actions today reflect on our kids in the future? Would you want your kids checking their phone, texting, updating social media, etc. while you are talking to them? Will we all be sitting at our dining room tables’ texting instead of talking in the years to come?

I believe we all likely need to nip this habit in the bud and start focusing in on what’s really important — our kids. Instead of playing on our phones while our kids play at the park we should be fully engaged and playing together: in the dirt, on the play sets – learning together and bonding together.

But I’ll be the first to admit this is difficult to do. I sometimes have to force myself to put my phone down and leave it on my dresser when I know it is time for me to give my kids my undivided attention. I know that if I want my kids to be engaged with me when they are older teens, and young adults, I must be engaged with them now.

Bottom line: the phone is not always your friend, and you don’t always need to respond to texts and emails as quickly as they come in; people can wait.

Do you think it’s hard to “unplug”?

Plus, more from The Bump:

What Baby’s Playing With That Isn’t Safe

How Can I Entertain My Baby?

The Great Gadget Debate: Is Your iPad Hurting Your Toddler’s Development?