The benefits of co-sleeping and how to do it safely

What is co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping is a parenting practice in which infants and young children sleep in the same bedroom or sleeping area as their parents. It can involve sharing a bed, but this is not necessary to practice co-sleeping. The general rule is that it involves sleeping within arms reach of your baby.

What are the benefits of co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping with a baby has many benefits. Studies have shown that it can help establish stronger emotional bonds between parent and child, as well as helping to ease the transition from infancy to toddlerhood. It also helps babies learn to regulate their sleep cycles and create a sense of safety during the night, as well as calming them if they get upset.

It can also help parents get more rest, as they don't have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to attend to their child. Additionally, co-sleeping can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50% if done correctly.

Why is co-sleeping sometimes not recommended?

Co-sleeping is discouraged when either parent smokes or has taken alcohol or drugs, or if the baby has been premature. A co-sleeping setup needs to be tested for safety and the mattress must fit snugly in the cot, with no gaps between bedding and the sides of the cot. It’s also important to remember that only soft bedding should ever be used in a cot—no pillows, thick duvets or bolsters should be used because they increase risk of suffocation.

Another factor of safety to consider is whether your baby can move around freely—they need space to stretch out and roll over for healthier development and better sleep. Ultimately you should make your own decision about what works best for you and your baby, but it's essential to get informed on guidelines, so you can ensure all possible measures are taken towards creating a safe sleeping environment for everyone involved.

What are the negatives of co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping with your baby can be a wonderful bonding experience, however it is important to understand all the potential drawbacks for both parents and the baby. It can be challenging for co-sleeping parents to get adequate rest due to different sleep cycles or excessive movement from their little one.

Without proper parental awareness, co-sleeping could also lead to unintentional suffocation or crushing during the night. In addition, if co-sleeping continues until a later age, it could lead to difficulty developing independent sleep skills and a lack of healthy boundaries in relation to co-dependent relationships later on in life.

It's best that each family assesses their needs and evaluates pros and cons before deciding if co-sleeping is right for them.

What are the psychological benefits of co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping with a baby has been scientifically proven to provide psychological benefits to both the infant and parent. It is believed that so-called “attachment parenting” which involves physical closeness such as co-sleeping, can positively influence confidence and increased feelings of security for the child.

Furthermore, it can help parents understand their baby better; from detecting subtle cues and communication habits in order to better care for them. For example, if a baby stirs during sleep, or has problems falling asleep, co-sleeping will help alleviate this stress by enabling the parent to be close by to respond faster.

Facilitating an environment where both parents and baby are emotionally supported and de-stressed is essential for healthy development. Ultimately, co-sleeping helps nurture strong bonds between baby and parents providing an emotionally secure foundation that can last a lifetime.

Is co-sleeping with babies safe?

Co-sleeping with children is an age-old practice that can provide many benefits, from creating a sense of security to helping young children stay healthy. But is it safe? As a parent, safety and security are surely at the top of your concerns when considering this parenting choice. The good news is that you can rest assured that safely done, co-sleeping has significant advantages for you and your precious little one.

Make sure to do research on co-sleeping guidelines to maximize safety and reap all the benefits that come along with co-sleeping.

What age should you stop co-sleeping?

It's wonderful to see the special bond between parent and baby being developed during peaceful co-sleeping. However, it is important to consider that at some point, co-sleeping may no longer be a good idea for your family. Depending on your parenting goals, it is usually recommended that parents stop co-sleeping with their baby by age 18 months or 2 years old.

Even if keeping the peace in the household seems easier by having the baby sleep with a parent, an older baby needs some space to explore their independence more fully. By allowing them a bit more room and understanding of boundaries, you will both benefit in the long run. It never hurts to talk through strategies with other parents or even your pediatrician, who can give personalized feedback to help shape your opinion.

Final thoughts about co-sleeping

Co-sleeping with your baby has its pros and cons, but ultimately you have to make the decision that best works for your family. If you decide it’s the right choice for you and your baby, remember to always create a safe sleep environment, free of pillows and blankets. Be aware of your own movement so you can avoid rolling onto your little one in the night. Whatever you decide, rest assured that choosing what is best for your family will never be wrong!