Co-sleeping: Benefits, Disadvantages & Safe Tips

There have been several research studies on whether or not to make your baby co-sleep with you. Read this MomJunction post to know if co-sleeping is safe for the baby and if they will benefit from this practice.

What Is Co-Sleeping With Baby?

Co-sleeping, also referred to as sleep-sharing, means to share a bed with your child. In simple words, co-sleeping is a newborn, baby or a child sleeping with one or both the parents. The different ways of co-sleeping are:

1. Family bed or bed sharing: Where one or both the parents sleep with the child in the same bed.

2. Different beds same room: Here, the baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet, or in the same room an arm’s away from the parents’ reach.

3. Sidecar arrangement: The crib is attached to one side of the bed, next to the mother. This side can be removed or lowered so that it is easy to breastfeed the baby. You will also get commercial sidebar or co-sleeper cribs in the market.

4. Baby welcomed when needed: The child is made to sleep in her bedroom and is taken when needed. Parents usually welcome their babies followed by a night waking.

Benefits Of Co-Sleeping With Your Baby

Though co-sleeping may not suit every family, its advantages may benefit your family.

1. Research studies reveal babies are at a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when they sleep in the same room as parents.

2. It improves the sleep time for both mother and baby. There is no need for you to wake up, get up from the bed and go to the baby to feed or comfort her.

3. You will face fewer bedtime hassles.

4. Your baby, if she is a toddler, feels secure and warm beside you.

5. Breastfeeding during night time is easier.

6. It will decrease the chances of nighttime separation anxiety.

7. The sleep pattern of both the mother and the baby syncs and enables comfortable nursing.

8. A fussy child can sleep better in the night.

9. A baby can fall asleep soon, and get back to sleep quickly if she wakes up in the middle of the night.

10. It will be a great feeling to wake up next to a smiling and beautiful baby.

11. Infants go through several feelings such the warm touch of the mother, her movement, smell and comfort that would help in their overall development.
12. You will be able to monitor the baby well during illnesses.
13. You develop an attachment with the baby.

14. Suits families with lesser space at home.

15. Helps working mothers spend more time with their babies while sleeping, and gain a sense of intimacy.

16. There are no chances of the child falling from the bed.

17. Sleep-sharing offers a safer environment for children, helping them develop confidence.

18. Not only the mothers but also the fathers will enjoy co-sleeping with their children, as it leads to a great bonding time.

When there are so many benefits of co-sleeping, why do some families have their babies sleep separately?

Disadvantages Of Co-Sleeping With Your Baby:

Some parents do not choose to co-sleep with their babies due to some potential risks:

• The baby can get strangulated or suffocated due to a lack of enough space.

• Co-sleeping is known to promote unhealthy dependency on the parents.

• Some mothers complain of not being able to sleep as the constant or sudden movement of the child disturbs their sleep pattern.

• Co-sleeping can be risky if the parents have certain infectious health conditions.

• Co-sleeping should not be practiced if the parent is under any heavy medication or therapy.

• If either or both the parents have a habit of smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, then co-sleeping is known to pose severe health risks.

• Once the baby is used to sleep with the parents, it will be difficult for her to sleep independently at a later point.

• Conditions like separation, divorce or death of any parent could leave the child in a deeply disturbing situation.

• The couple may be deprived of intimacy.

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Is Co-Sleeping With Your Baby Safe?

According to a research study, around 74% of the SIDS cases occurred in infants, aged up to four months, co-sleeping with their parents. However, the study did not take into account the smoking, drug, and drinking habits in parents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages parents from sharing the bed with their babies.

If you choose to co-sleep with your baby, you should follow safety guidelines to avoid fatalities.

Tips For Safe Co-Sleeping With Baby:

When you want your baby to sleep with you, make sure you are following these safety measures:

1. Make baby sleep on her back:

Sleeping on the back lowers the risk of SIDS. If you have to nurse her while lying on the bed, and your baby is on the side, try to get her on the back after she finishes feeding.

2. Have an ideal sleep surface:

The mattress has to be firm with tightly placed bed sheets on it. Place one pillow, and a cotton blanket that does not fall over the baby’s face. Do not use a cushiony bed cover or sheepskins. Put your baby slightly higher on the bed, and you sleep a bit lower than her.

3. Check the conditions around:

There have been cases of infants being squeezed between the mattress and a wall or furniture. Place your bed away from side furniture, walls, tables, etc., and there should be no gaps. An ideal place for the bed is the center of the room.

4. Say no to smoking and drinking:

Do not indulge in smoking when you are co-sleeping with your baby. Also, alcohol and drugs will make you less responsive, and you cannot attend to your baby. The same applies to your partner.

5. Keep it warm, not hot:

Co-sleeping can increase your baby’s body temperature. Leave her head uncovered to avoid a raise in the body temperature.

6. Dress up well:

Dress your baby in a proper night dress. For warmth, dress her in layers. Long sleeve dresses, footie pants, and sleep sacks could help. In summers, make her wear lighter clothes.

7. Manage feedings:

Make a consistent plan to regularize the feedings. Initially, feed your little one at regular intervals, and gradually shorten the feedings by a minute or so. You can also ask your partner to walk your baby around the room to soothe her instead of feeding as the baby could wake up more frequently when she is co-sleeping with you.

8. Buy a big bed:

If co-sleeping is a routine in your home, consider buying a bigger bed. The more space you will have in bed, the better will be your sleep.

9. Do not co-sleep on an armchair or a sofa:

They are the most dangerous places that can make you fall asleep with the baby. Your little one could get squeezed in between the cushions or between you and the sides.

10. C position when sleeping:

Lie on one side facing your little one, and curl around her. Keep your lower arm over the baby’s head and bring your knees to her feet. Do not keep any pillows near the baby’s head. This is also the best position for nursing, as your baby’s lying level along your breasts can help her take the feed correctly.

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Article was originally posted on Momjunction