So, you have a newborn. Congratulations!
Before your child was born, you probably had your own views on baby’s sleeping habits and perhaps co-sleeping was not on your mommy-to-do list. You’ve heard many intimidating stories on how children would sleep in parent’s bed until their early adolescence, and under a threat of countless sleepless nights you won’t allow this happen to you.
You bought him a nice little crib or bassinet and imagining him peacefully sleeping in it. Surprise, surprise, but your baby won’t even consider sleeping in his own bed. Sounds familiar? Already thinking about Ferber and other methods of sleep-training? Then, there’s something you need to know first. I gathered some interesting facts that will hopefully change your attitude towards co sleeping with baby.
1. Co sleeping with baby helps to increase your child self-esteem
In order for a normal functioning, developmental of nervous system and establishment of confidence in the outer world, a child needs a good sleep. The baby will sleep much better when he feels the mother by his side; her warmth and scent. His needs would be met and he would feel protected and secured. Research shows that kids, who sleep with their parents show less anxiety, are happier and have a better attachment with their parents.
2. Co-sleeping promotes independence
Research shows the opposite, despite an old belief that co-sleeping children will depend on their parents for longer time. In fact, if bed sharing is present, your child will less likely to develop thumb sucking or become attached to transitional objects. Mother will provide all nurture and warmth necessary for a good sleep and a child will faster become independent and will less likely develop separation anxiety.
3. Co sleeping with baby provides physiological benefits to a child
According to research conducted by famous pediatrician William Sears, babies who sleep with their parents have more regular breathing and heart rate than babies who sleep alone.
4. Co sleeping with baby reduces risk of SIDS
Based on studies conducted in laboratory conditions, it was observed that babies who slept with their mothers – were more likely to sleep on their backs or sides and less likely to sleep on their tummies, which is a factor that could lower risk of SIDS.
5. Co sleeping with baby makes nursing a lot easier
Mothers who bed share report being more rested. When you sleep with your child there is no need to leave the bed to nurse the child. In addition, co-sleeping promotes bonding and regulates mother’s and baby’s sleep pattern.
Personally, I co slept with my daughter for 2 years. We she was born, I was too afraid to put her in a big crib, so we bought a cute little co-sleeper. She slept right between me and my husband. After she grow out of co-sleeper, she still continued sleeping with me. It was much easier to breastfeed her at night without really waking up.
When the time came for her own room and bed, she gladly accepted it. She made this transition very easily because we made her room very comfortable and put all her toys in it.
I’m very confident, that with the right approach co sleeping with baby and then transition to a big toddler’s bed is absolutely doable without much stress. A little patience and some creativity will make a bed-sharing process pleasant to you and your child.
I’m wondering, did you co-sleep with your child?
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