Co-sleeping is the practice in which the child sleeps in the bed with their parents. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most hotly debated and controversial topics related to pediatric sleep. Let's see why. Some argue that co-sleeping is the right reliable and natural way to raise a child because the practice promotes a stronger bond and more secure attachment.
Conversely, other people will tell you that co-sleeping is risky, ridiculous, or even dangerous and they just don't want it for their families. So, which view holds true?
First, it's important to understand that co-sleeping is not magic. Although some proponents of the family bed would disagree, many couples have reported that their children do not necessarily get a deep or long sleep because their parents were next to them. In fact, some parents have found that their baby sleeps longer and wakes less when they stop co-sleeping and move them to their crib.
However, whether families choose to co-sleep or let their babies sleep independently is a personal decision, and if both parent and child are safe, relaxed, and full, co-sleeping is nothing to worry about.
If you decide to co-sleep, this commitment requires some very careful thinking about what's right for you as a spouse, as a couple, and as a family. . Ask yourself the following questions: • Is it good to think about enjoying the comfort of sleeping nearby, or do one or more of us remain active during sleep - potentially disrupting others?
Does everyone in our family want to co-sleep, or are we leaning towards it because one of us feels strongly? • Are we committed to keeping quiet after our child is asleep, or do we prefer to watch TV or talk in bed? • Will we be able to feed our baby more often throughout the night, or will keeping her by our side make it more difficult to feed at night?
Do we agree to go to bed to ensure the safety of our child? • For working parents, does sleeping next to our child make us feel more connected? As expected, co-sleeping has both advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at them
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Benefits: • Constant proximity whenever baby is awake. Many children and parents enjoy this feeling. • Prompt action and support for any sleep problems • Ability to nurse and respond to other night awakenings without getting up • More time to spend with the baby • Possibly for both the child and the parent better sleep, if the baby was sleeping poorly
Disadvantages: • Parents may sleep poorly if their children are in restless sleep • Parents may sleep in different rooms, and they may become angry at their child or at each other • Children and adults sleep the cycles do not match
• Parents may have to go to bed very early with their children and have little time for their evening activities • Less parental privacy
• There may be a slight increase in the baby's risk of SIDS and related causes. The decision to co-sleep should be yours, made by the parent or parents – and based on your own personal philosophy, not pressure from your child or anyone else. No other family's good or bad experience with co-sleeping should influence your decision: Your child is unique and your family is not the same