Co-sleeping is a topic that has caused much debate among parents, pediatricians, and researchers. Proponents emphasize its benefits, such as better sleep for both parents and children. However, concerns about the risk of SIDS and other safety issues have led some to warn against it.
In this post, we’ll look at current safety guidelines and offer some helpful tips for parents considering co-sleeping. And I’ll share what I did with my babies when they were babies!
What is Co-Sleeping?
Co-sleeping is when parents share a bed with a baby or toddler – usually up to the first year of life. Many parents decide to stay together for even longer.
Some define co-sleeping as the child coming close to the arm, while others define it as parents and the child sleeping in the same room. When a room is assigned, the child may sleep next to the parent’s bed or on a bed or bunk bed on the other side of the room. Sharing rooms is well accepted – at least for the first six months of life.
However, bed sharing is very controversial. Bed sharing is just what it sounds like — sleeping with a child in the same bed. It’s more common than you might think. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey of caregivers in 2015.
More than half of the caregivers surveyed (61%) reported sharing sleep at least sometimes.
Benefits of Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping can have physical and emotional benefits for both parents and baby:
Expanding Cooperation
Co-sleeping can improve the bond between parents and child. Close proximity increases opportunities for communication, such as nursing and comforting. Sleeping next to parents at night can also give a child a sense of security. This sense of security may lead to better emotional development and reduced separation anxiety.
Promotes Breastfeeding
Co-sleeping makes breastfeeding at night easier. It can make mothers decide to breastfeed for a long time (6+ months) because it is easier to keep up with it day and night.
A 1997 study even found that babies who sleep in bed breastfeed more often and for longer. They had more breastfeeding episodes and spent three times as much time at night compared to people who slept separately.
Reduced Risk of SIDS
Another side benefit is that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A German study found that formula-fed babies not only had an increased risk of SIDS, – they had TWICE the risk compared to breast-fed babies.
Co-sleeping with parents can also reduce the risk of SIDS. Sleeping close helps regulate the baby’s breathing and body temperature. Healthy breathing patterns can also reduce the risk of SIDS.
Benefits Bite Development
The simple act of breastfeeding can have far-reaching benefits. A 2022 study found that co-sleeping as babies benefits their bite development as toddlers.
Babies who co-sleep as babies are less likely to use a pacifier or suck their thumbs. As a result, they did not have a good chance of developing an overbite, crossbite, or open bite. They ended up having better facial development because of sleeping together.
Better Sleep for Parents
Having a baby close can make night care tasks like feeding and comforting easier and faster. As a result, parents may be more likely to sleep well.
Is Co-Sleeping Safe?
New parents may wonder if sharing a bed is safe. Bed sharing is actually a biological norm and has been common throughout history. Western societies have recently moved from it to benefit. It may be safe as long as parents follow certain practices.
One of those practices is breastfeeding. Breastfed babies have a symbiotic relationship with their mother and can share safely. However, formula-fed babies are safer in a side sleeper or in a bed next to the mother.
Dr. James McKenna is the Director of the Mother-Baby Sleep Lab at the University of Notre Dame and is widely regarded as a leading expert on co-sleeping. She explains that there are several reasons why co-sleeping with breastfed babies versus bottle-feeding is not the same:
“Breastfeeding changes where and how the baby is placed next to the mother, first of all, the way the baby wakes up, the way the baby and the mother are sensitive to each other’s movements, sounds and closeness, as well as the baby and the mother. sleep patterns (how much time each person spends in different sleep stages and how and when they move from one sleep stage to another) are significantly different between bottle-feeding and breast-feeding mother-infant pairs.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) still advises against bed sharing in their updated 2022 Guidelines. They warn that it increases the risk of SIDS. But SIDS is more of a concern when bed sharing with premature and low birth weight babies. Healthy, full-term babies are not at much risk as long as parents follow safe sleep habits.
Dr. McKenna also passed on research that purportedly links SIDS to co-sleeping. He says the interpretation of co-sleeping and SIDS research results has many inaccuracies and inconsistencies.
There are always examples of people not following safe bed sharing practices. However, that does not mean that no one should do it. It is also important to note that suffocation due to unsafe co-sleeping is not SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), although the two often go together.
Safe Co-Sleeping Practices
Here are some safe sleep practices. Remember that these work day and night:
- Breastfed babies can sleep safely next to their mothers (rather than fathers)
- Babies under one year old should not sleep with older children
- Babies need to be placed in a firm sleeping position (not a waterbed or sofa)
- Make sure the headboard and footboard do not have holes where the child could get trapped at night. The mattress should fit snugly against the headboard to ensure that the baby sleeps safely.
- Sheepskins are not a good idea; and not weighted blankets, quilts, or pillows. They may increase the risk of overheating and suffocation. Stick with lightweight baby blankets.
- A properly fitted baby sleeping bag can help provide separate bedding for the baby to prevent suffocation
- Remove anything that could be a choking hazard such as jewelry, pacifier clips, and teething necklaces
- Some parents choose to use a bedside bassinet, keeping baby close by while giving them their space.
The Lullaby Trust out of the UK has also put together a guide to safe mattress and co-sleeping options. They emphasize using a firm, flat mattress and avoiding soft or bulky bedding.
What About Self-Education?
Some parents may worry that their child will never leave their bed. However, many ideas from baby sleep training apply here. A good way to start is to gradually transition your baby to his own sleeping position. Start with a few minutes in their crib or bassinet. Then gradually increase the time to sleep alone.
Respond to your child’s needs during transition. Comfort them if they are upset, but encourage them to go back to sleep in their sleeping area. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can help lull you back to sleep when you wake up during the night.
Another concern is that co-sleeping as children will make the children less independent as they grow up. The good news is that research has found the opposite. Early co-sleepers were more independent and independent as preschoolers than children who did not co-sleep as infants.
Co-sleeping and bed-sharing are common practices around the world. They are not new concepts. You might be surprised how many world leaders throughout history shared a bed with their mother as babies.
It is not All or Nothing
It’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” If the baby is sleeping through the night, it may be time to gradually work on moving the baby to his own room. Parents can use co-sleeping as part of child-led sleep training.
There may also be times when it is inappropriate for a child to sleep in an adult’s bed. For example, if a parent has a respiratory illness or a cold, it’s probably best to let the baby sleep alone in a crib or bassinet. A night when one or both parents have been drinking is another time to sleep apart.
Many parents do not feel comfortable sharing sleep. That’s absolutely right! Parents who sleep a lot, on certain medications, dealing with illness, etc., may not want a child in bed with them. Either way, no judgment here. Room sharing is still a great option.
What I’m doing/What I’ve done
When my children were babies, I co-slept with them for the first few months. I was used to the baby being close to the womb, so it was a natural transition for him to sleep next to me in the bed. As the baby started to move around a lot, I also started to feel comfortable sleeping alone.
Of course, sleeping arrangements will depend on each child and family. Do what works best for you.
What do you think about sleeping together? Are you used to sharing a bed or sharing a room with your little ones? Share with us below!
Source link
