Although many parents enjoy the convenience and comfort of co-sleeping, there are many dangers associated with the practice. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission noted that approximately 515 infant and toddler deaths from 1990 to 1997 were due to co-sleeping. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding which sleep method is appropriate for your family.
Comfort
According to the askdrsears.com, a child that sleeps in her own bed may have difficulty going to sleep sooner and staying asleep. When a baby transitions from deep sleep to light sleep, she becomes vulnerable to nightwaking. If a baby awakes, she may find it hard to resettle on her own and reenter deep sleep. A parent can easily comfort baby if sharing the same bed. Having a recognizable person to see, smell and hear can help your child fall back to sleep without either party completely waking.
Breastfeeding Difficulties
Babycenter.com notes that nighttime breastfeeding is more difficult if your child is in his own bed. It is easier and more convenient if your baby is sharing the same bed because he is right beside you. It may even be possible to snooze while nursing. This also makes it easier for a nursing mother to get in sync with her baby's sleep cycle.
Easier Breathing
A baby may have an easier time breathing when sleeping in his own bed, according to askdrsears.com. As you exhale during sleep, carbon dioxide is released into the air. During co-sleeping, if your baby is too close to you, he will inhale this instead of fresh air. Carbon dioxide acts as a stimulant to the respiratory system, resulting in breathing difficulties---and in extreme cases, suffocation.
Better Sleep
Besides increasing your child's safety, babycenter.com says parent and child may sleep more soundly when in separate beds. If one party is constantly tossing and turning, hogging the bed or you are worried about rolling over on your baby, it may be difficult for all to get a good night's rest. In addition, babies that learn to rely on a parent to get to sleep may have difficulty at naptime or when she must go to sleep before a parent is ready for bed.
