What No One Is Telling You about Co-Sleeping

There is a lot of debate going on about co-sleeping. Some claim it is necessary for bonding, while others swear that it comes with a lot of dangers, some of which may be fatal, hence no need to even risk it. If you are a mother, or a couple planning for a family, this is a debate you will not avoid and it is imperative to arm yourself with the right information so that when the time comes, you will not face it with fear and doubts which tend to surround it at the moment.



Here is a detailed guide, with everything you need to know, as well as some myths you must be aware of as far as co-sleeping is concerned.

What is co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping simply means sharing your bed, and this is something that has been happening since the beginning of time. However, in this context, we will be talking about sharing your bed with your child or infant. In some contexts, however, it can mean sleeping with your baby in the same room, though in separate beds.

Is co-sleeping dangerous

Co-sleeping is not necessarily as dangerous as millions of couples around the globe will confirm, but this is not to insinuate that it doesn't have any dangers. The greatest risk in co-sleeping is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but there are ways couples can use to reduce the chances of this ever happening to their little ones.

For example, the baby can always spend in a bassinet just next to the parents or the baby can also have their beds in the same room if they can’t share the same bed. It will interest you to know that co-sleeping actually the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by half when the baby is close to the parents, and this is why it is encouraged that you should co-sleep with your baby for at least six months or one year.

About co-sleeping and a light sleeper

As a new mom, it is common to feel the exhaustion and this will most definitely lead to deep sleep, especially during the first few weeks of becoming a mother. Those against co-sleeping opine that you should only consider co-sleeping if you are a light sleeper who will always be aware to the presence of the baby in the bed at times, and this is never the case with new moms who are just recovering after the pregnancy and the delivery experience. However, this is not entirely true and should not be used as an excuse to make you spend time away from your little one. If anything, motherly instincts will ensure that you are aware of the baby’s presence irrespective of how a deep sleeper you are.

Co-sleeping is vital for the baby’s development

Studies suggest that babies who co-sleep with their parents are likely to develop faster and better than babies who spend the time away from their parents. There is always the need for the babies to learn or discover how to respond to sensory signals from other people and these include heat, touch, smell, sounds, and movements. When the baby is in a separate room, or never have the chance to spend with their parents in the same room, such development will be slowed down or they will be inhibited. It should also be noted that the first people the baby will build a relationship the moment they enter this world is the father, mother and the caregiver and they should never be denied this opportunity by being left to sleep in a different room.

Co-sleeping and romance

Another myth being peddled at great lengths about co-sleeping is that it will dampen the romance between the partners. But this is nothing but a myth and should always be treated as such. It is true that after childbirth, the mother will be tired and exhausted, with a huge sleep debt, and sex may not be a priority at that time.

However, having a baby in the room is not a reason to let the embers of sex to burn down. With the baby in the room, especially in the same bed, the couples will be compelled to be creative and this may make them spice up their sex life and enjoy every bit of it. You may be forced to invent new styles or use different parts of the bedroom and all these will contribute to better romance.

Co-sleeping is probably common than you think

New parents having their doubts about co-sleeping may be tempted to think that they are the only ones doing it, but you will be surprised at just how common co-sleeping is. If a study was to be done about parents co-sleeping with their babies, you will be surprised at just how many couples are practicing it, and if at all it was a bad thing, then not so many people would be practicing it.

Co-sleeping and tragedies

As a couple, you must always be aware of the dangers of co-sleeping and all you need to know is that tragedy can always strike at any moment. Sleep-related fatalities in babies are real and a good number of them have always happened in instances of co-sleeping. It is imperative that you are aware of such so that you know how to co-sleep safely and responsibly to keep the baby safe.

You have to be very careful to avoid strategies such as the baby getting choked, sleeping over them, putting any of your limbs, such as arms and legs on them, or doing any other thing that might endanger their lives. If you notice that you have a higher likelihood for such, then co-sleeping may not be a good idea.

Finally, it is imperative for the mother to get good sleep after the delivery, co-sleeping or not. This calls for preparing the bedroom and investing in the right bedding that will promote the comfort and the peace needed for a good night’s rest. Whether it is investing in a new mattress (bear mattress reviews), removing the clutter from the bedroom, doing away with the gadgets before sleeping or simply adopting new bedtime routines, proper sleep is imperative for the health and the quick recovery of the mother.

(Contributed by Nirdesh)