The Pros and Cons of Co Sleeping

Just as with virtually any other topic, there are pros and cons regarding co sleeping. So, before you decide whether or not to co sleep with your baby, you need to review all of the information on this subject.

Co sleeping provides closeness on a physical level between a baby and his or her parent.  This means that not only will a baby who co sleeps rest better, but also will their parent.  And they fall asleep easier and faster due to having mommy and daddy close by.  Because parents can meet their babies' needs faster when co-sleeping, as these babies grow into children, they will have a higher level of self-esteem and confidence. 

An easier breastfeeding session is another benefit of co sleeping because the baby and his or her mother can lie in bed while the baby eats.  This benefit allows both mommy and baby to enjoy fewer disturbances in their sleep.

The final benefit–and probably the most important–is having the parent be able to have an increased awareness of the baby during co sleeping sessions. This advantage will not only allow you to worry less while your baby sleeps, but also helps prevent health problems that can occur during sleep. Many studies have show results proving co sleeping to be a wonderful method of preventing SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; however, this only remains true if the parents do not smoke, drink alcohol excessively, and are not prescribed certain medications.

A baby who is co sleeping must always be supervised by their parent. Even when a parent is in the bed with their baby, there is still a chance the baby could roll over and fall out of the bed. This is why it is a good idea to invest in a three-sided crib that has a height parallel to your beds.

Many parents experienced less privacy and intimacy when they have a baby sleeping with them in their bed. This has forced quite a few parents to become creative with where they spend their intimate moments.

Although co sleeping can prevent SIDS for parents who do not smoke, drink, or take certain prescription drugs, parents who do engage in these activities or who are morbidly obese can increase their baby's risk of SIDS.  If the above do not apply to you, but you tend to sleep deeply and soundly, co sleeping might not be the best choice for you and your baby. 

You should only co sleep if you do not have a fancy headboard, pillow-top mattress, or a lot of soft blankets and stuffed animals in the bed as these items can cause a small infant to suffocate. Also, there should be no gap of space between your mattress and the wall or headboard in order to prevent your baby from being trapped. As long as you take the necessary precautions, co sleeping can be a rewarding experience for you and your baby if you decide it is right for you both.