In recent years, the terms co-sleeping and bed-sharing have gained some ground to promote good health among infants. While it might not be the best approach for a first-time mom, the practice has definite advantages. Research indicates that many Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SID cases occur when an infant is a co-sleeping with a sibling. With both babies feeling secure in their new surroundings, the risk of falling asleep during the middle of the night is significantly reduced.
Of course, some disagree that this practice is beneficial for any child. The most commonly heard argument against co-sleeping is that babies should be sleeping with their parents in the first place and that sharing a bed will confuse the little one and hinder their development. However, studies have shown that a baby frequently taken to a mother’s bed following a feeding has developed significantly better eyesight than one left in a single bed by itself. Also, research suggests that sleep disturbances tend to decrease over time when a baby is regularly taken to a familiar place by a mother. Also, many doctors note that most crying infants who receive comfort and love from their mothers do so because they recognize the person who is most caring for them.
Co-sleeping and Bed-sharing have become quite common nowadays, especially with the lifestyle changes and the growing responsibilities of modern parents. If you are having a baby, then co-sleeping is the best option for you as you will not be disturbed by your baby while sleeping. However, the baby is still closely attached to their mother and cannot have good and healthy growth without the mother and father’s support. Hence, co-sleeping and bed-sharing should not be practiced with care and caution.
Precautions To Be Taken While Co-Sleeping And Bed Sharing
- Co-Sleeping And Bed Sharing
Co-sleeping and Bed-sharing require a lot of patience, care, and love from the parents. It is best to start the co-sleeping and bed-sharing process right from the first six months of the baby’s life and during the first year. This is because most of the problems related to sleep and health start during this time frame.
The following are some instances in which parents should be extra cautious before adopting room-sharing and co-sleeping techniques with their babies.
- The first and foremost reason parents should be highly cautious before adopting bed-sharing and co-sleeping techniques is the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
This is especially true when the baby sleeps alone in a room with a closed crib or bed. Sudden infant death syndrome happens when the baby suddenly stops breathing, or they flick, and no one can react in time to save the baby.
This can happen even with a well-protected co-sleeping environment but is better avoided with a less safe and secure baby.
- Crib beds are incredibly safe and healthy when used appropriately with the right mattress and suitable baby co-sleepers.
The co-sleeper serves as a safety net and is kept under the baby’s blanket to protect them from falling out of the bed while sleeping. It can also position the baby in a sleeping position to prevent them from rolling over while asleep.
The use of a crib-bed is not recommended for older babies and is not recommended to infants younger than four months old as it could pose a danger to them. Also, make sure to wash your baby’s crib beddings, and if you are a new mother, you can look online at how often to wash bedding.
Breastfeeding mothers should also be careful before they use room-sharing and co-sleeping techniques with their babies. It is known that most breastfed babies are less prone to dying or experiencing sudden infant deaths because of insufficient oxygen intake.
This is because the mother’s milk provides sufficient nutrition to both babies during breastfeeding. It is also believed that breastfeeding babies enjoy the warmth and security of being in a warm bed, and as such, it is believed that they sleep better.
Some Good Thoughts To The Idea
- Some Good Thoughts To The Idea
- One of the benefits of room-sharing with your newborn baby is that you provide a warm and secure haven close to your home where the baby can rest comfortably. In addition, it is a convenient way to take care of a new baby, and it is easier to get your baby back to sleep when you are ready to go to bed. As a result, it is believed that babies who sleep with their parents do not cry or whine for long periods. They also enjoy sleeping through the night. Most studies show that babies sleeping in an adult-sized bed cry less and wake up more frequently during the night when compared with babies who sleep in a different-sized bed.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics has even stated that co-sleeping with your little one does not put your baby at risk of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, there have been many mishaps happening when both the mother and the baby sleep in the same room. This can be avoided by taking into consideration several factors before deciding on co-sleeping. For example, if you have other kids, then perhaps you should share the baby’s room with them. If you are working with a well-meaning friend who will willingly give up their bed, then maybe co-sleeping is not the best option for you and your baby.
- Co-sleeping and bed-sharing with infants have gained a lot of support over the past few years because of the numerous benefits it offers to both child and infant. The advantages of co-sleeping and bed-sharing are not just limited to the safety it provides to both child and infant. It is also beneficial to the parents as it helps them get used to sharing a bed. Studies show that children who co-sleep with their parents also enjoy better sleep and develop better eating habits than those who do not. Also, never forget to use better material for their bedding that would not be harsh on their skin. Most parent compares the sateen sheets vs. percale for they are most recommended for the kids.
Conclusion
There is much to consider in the current parenting world when deciding whether or not both parents should be involved in the infant’s care. Most pediatricians recommend that co-sleeping or bed-sharing is best for newborns who are safe enough to sleep independently for the first month of life. However, you and your partner need to discuss this with your doctor so that both of you are comfortable with it before investing in the new cribs and other items that will need to go along with it. There is no harm or pain in letting your baby sleep in your bed, provided that you are doing it safely and don’t place them in harm’s way. Co-sleeping and bed-sharing are a wonderful experience for parents, and it allows you to spend quality time together as a family.
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