Benefits of co sleeping
Co-sleeping, also known as bed-sharing, is a practice where a parent and their baby sleep in the same bed. There are many benefits to co-sleeping that make it a viable option for families.
1. Better sleep for both parent and baby
One of the primary benefits of co-sleeping is that both the parent and baby tend to sleep better. This is because co-sleeping promotes increased physical contact, which can help regulate the baby's breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. In addition, being close to their parent can help the baby feel more secure, reducing the likelihood of night waking and promoting longer periods of sleep.
2. Enhanced bonding
Co-sleeping can help parents and babies bond more effectively. Being close to their parent helps the baby feel safe and secure, while parents benefit from the physical closeness with their baby. This can lead to a stronger emotional bond between parent and child, which can have positive long-term effects on the child's emotional development.
3. Easier breastfeeding
For mothers who breastfeed, co-sleeping can make nighttime feedings much easier. When the baby is in the same bed as the mother, breastfeeding can be done without either party fully waking up. This can help reduce the disruption to the mother's sleep and make the breastfeeding experience more comfortable and convenient.
4. Reduced risk of SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a rare but tragic event that can occur during sleep. However, studies have shown that co-sleeping can actually reduce the risk of SIDS when done safely. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when parents follow safe co-sleeping guidelines (such as not sharing a bed with a baby under four months old or when the parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol), the risk of SIDS is actually lower for co-sleeping infants.
5. Improved mental health
Co-sleeping can also have positive effects on the mental health of both the parent and the baby. For the baby, the increased physical contact and sense of security can lead to reduced stress and anxiety. For the parent, the emotional bond created through co-sleeping can lead to reduced stress and anxiety levels as well.
1. Better sleep for both parent and baby
One of the primary benefits of co-sleeping is that both the parent and baby tend to sleep better. This is because co-sleeping promotes increased physical contact, which can help regulate the baby's breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. In addition, being close to their parent can help the baby feel more secure, reducing the likelihood of night waking and promoting longer periods of sleep.
2. Enhanced bonding
Co-sleeping can help parents and babies bond more effectively. Being close to their parent helps the baby feel safe and secure, while parents benefit from the physical closeness with their baby. This can lead to a stronger emotional bond between parent and child, which can have positive long-term effects on the child's emotional development.
3. Easier breastfeeding
For mothers who breastfeed, co-sleeping can make nighttime feedings much easier. When the baby is in the same bed as the mother, breastfeeding can be done without either party fully waking up. This can help reduce the disruption to the mother's sleep and make the breastfeeding experience more comfortable and convenient.
4. Reduced risk of SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a rare but tragic event that can occur during sleep. However, studies have shown that co-sleeping can actually reduce the risk of SIDS when done safely. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when parents follow safe co-sleeping guidelines (such as not sharing a bed with a baby under four months old or when the parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol), the risk of SIDS is actually lower for co-sleeping infants.
5. Improved mental health
Co-sleeping can also have positive effects on the mental health of both the parent and the baby. For the baby, the increased physical contact and sense of security can lead to reduced stress and anxiety. For the parent, the emotional bond created through co-sleeping can lead to reduced stress and anxiety levels as well.