The Truth about Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping is a parenting practice that involves a parent and child sleeping in the same bed or in close proximity. It is a controversial topic, with some parents believing it is beneficial and others believing it is dangerous. In this article, we will explore the truth about co-sleeping and discuss the pros and cons of this practice.
What is Co-sleeping?
Co-sleeping is a parenting practice that involves a parent and child sleeping in the same bed or in close proximity. It is a practice that has been around for centuries and is still practiced in many cultures around the world. It is also known as “bed-sharing” or “family bed”.
Benefits of Co-sleeping
There are many benefits to co-sleeping. It can help to create a strong bond between parent and child, as well as provide a sense of security and comfort for the child. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in both the parent and child. Co-sleeping can also help to promote breastfeeding, as it is easier for the mother to feed the baby while they are both in the same bed.
Risks of Co-sleeping
While there are many benefits to co-sleeping, there are also some risks associated with it. The most serious risk is the potential for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is a rare but serious risk that can occur when a baby is sleeping in the same bed as an adult. Other risks include the potential for suffocation, entrapment, and overheating.
When is Co-sleeping Safe?
Co-sleeping can be a safe and beneficial practice, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the safety of the baby. It is important to make sure that the bed is free of pillows, blankets, and other items that could potentially suffocate the baby. It is also important to make sure that the baby is not sleeping on their stomach, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
FAQs
Is co-sleeping safe?
Co-sleeping can be a safe and beneficial practice, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the safety of the baby. It is important to make sure that the bed is free of pillows, blankets, and other items that could potentially suffocate the baby. It is also important to make sure that the baby is not sleeping on their stomach, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
What are the benefits of co-sleeping?
There are many benefits to co-sleeping. It can help to create a strong bond between parent and child, as well as provide a sense of security and comfort for the child. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in both the parent and child. Co-sleeping can also help to promote breastfeeding, as it is easier for the mother to feed the baby while they are both in the same bed.
What are the risks of co-sleeping?
The most serious risk associated with co-sleeping is the potential for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Other risks include the potential for suffocation, entrapment, and overheating.
When is co-sleeping not recommended?
Co-sleeping is not recommended for babies under the age of four months, as this is the age when the risk of SIDS is highest. It is also not recommended for parents who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as this can increase the risk of SIDS. Additionally, co-sleeping is not recommended for parents who smoke, as this can also increase the risk of SIDS.
Everything he said is right! I slept with all my 3 kids, breastfeed all 3, and we have an amazing bond, they are super independent, have always been. They trust me and talk to me about anything, they sleep in their own bedroom now but during the weekends we cuddle on the couch and watch movies. They still need that I need it too 🙈
Poor sleep habits include an irregular bedtime schedule, naps, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and using your bed for work, eating or watching TV. Computers, TVs, video games, smartphones or other screens just before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Love this
I never planned to co-sleep in the same bed as my daughter but because of breastfeeding, she ended up in my bed with me within the first month for sure. It was always so much better that way especially because she was born in a cold month and my house at the time had poor insulation. She was warmer and happier with Mommy very close. He is absolutely right about breastfeeding mothers being so still and sleeping light so it wasn't possible for me to roll on her. Plus, what he forgot to mention is that your baby sleeping with you regulates their breathing and heartbeat. You are your infants' pacemaker. My daughter is currently in the weaning process..she just turned 5 years old 2 months ago. Tonight for the first time, she is sleeping in her bed in her own room. It will be so weird not getting my snuggles tonight.
i bought a crib for my baby , the crib ended up being a place to store things LOL , will never trade co sleeping with anything ! i feel seperation anxiety more than my baby does 🥰
Perfect said!! I love that this comes from a man, from such a place of understanding.
So incredibly glad that I took the leap and tried co sleeping with my daughter. I was terrified. But I was TIRED. I was falling asleep on the couch while holding her (much less safe.) I was my own village for the first 3 months and I just couldn’t do it without sleep 😅 my daughter is now 10mo and we still sleep happily together ALL NIGHT LONG mind you she began sleeping through the night at 3 weeks 🤪🤪❤️ getting a boob snack still here and there but I just slept through the nursing. Now she’s on formula sadly, but we still co sleep and it’s still one of my favorite parenting decisions.
Finally someone who is for cosleeping 😊 I've been cosleeping with my baby since day 2 (day 1 no cause I had a c section and I couldn't get up to pick him up) and it's the best thing! (I'm breastfeeding) Now he is 5 months and we usually sleep between 7 and 8 hours every night!
It's all fun and games until you roll on your baby in your sleep. It happened to my grandma with her first baby and it happened to my niece with her son. Just because "we always dun it this way" doesn't make it safe. I slept with the bassinet right next to my bed. This way I could fall asleep with my hand on my son and he felt safe. There was no way for me to roll on him.
Let's not forget about Daddy. He needs contact time with Mommy too. 🙂 Dad is really important to your baby's growth and life. Don't feel bad letting your baby cry to sleep in another room so you can have time alone with your husband. It's natural too.
My grandmother cosleep 16 children even a set of twins. My mother cosleep 5 children. And I will cosleep mines. Even let them sleep on their side or stomach. I remember people telling me how I would never get any sleep and it’s honestly the best sleep I ever have. I’m not zombie walking to a different room 2-3 times a night with a newborn. Only difference is I start off with a side bed and by 4-6 months transition them to our big bed with us. My newborn is 4 weeks and she has been given the green light to skip night feeds unless she wake up and she sleeps 8-9 hours at night snuggle with mommy
It's a natural thing, a human baby binding with it's mother. Why people have gone so far into believing it is wrong to hold, hug, kiss, and feed(when possible) your baby is beyond me. I guess it's lack of connection to oneself which than projects onto the baby. I keep my son in bed with me since I learned to breastfeed at 4 weeks old. It is so natural and effortless. I have tried the best bassinet in the market next to my bed but at 4month old I now cosleep and I'm no longer sleep deprived and anxious. My baby is also thriving.
is it okay for moms to let their teenage sons to co-sleep with them? I'm guessing no but a friend of mine disagrees 🙁
Sleeping with both my babies, first breastfed for 3,5 years, unvaccinated perfectly healthy child, the only fever she had was for 4hrs at six months when her first teeth came in. Second baby is also born at home and happily breastfeeding and sleeping with mama. That’s the way and the only way to bring out the natural human expression and max health emotionally and intelligently.
I was put to sleep in a crib, have a heart arrhythmia for life. Thanks mom 🙄
its natural almost all animal creatures in the world sleep with their babies.
Mine…Bottle feeding, but still co-sleep. He is still wake up frequently. So every baby is different. Can’t compare one to another. It is the parents choice. 😊
I co sleep with my 2 wk old and that’s the only way I get some sleep. He feeds almost all night and I barely have to wake up. It works for us.
Mothers have instinct. Our baby slept in bed and helped herself to some grub whenever she wanted😂 Fatties, restless sleepers and bottles don't go together.
Its a personal thing.
The more babies are formula fed, the less that Co sleeping will occur. Also if we don't Co sleep then breastfeeding will be harder.. Thus making breastfeeding less successful. Thus, if we Co slept and breastfed more, then our babies would have better attachment and better emotional ties to mothers and this creates more well rounded people, happier people.
Their emotions met, and feeling loved.
This greatly impacts our communities, positively.. So this should be a priority.
But of course any bed sharing will be banned because people don't care about the beginning years… But the first 5 years are the Most important in one's life. Attachment and bond means a lot