Co-sleeping is a very controversial subject. Breastfeeding.com says that co-sleeping is considered normal and common in almost every culture, except the United States. Under the right conditions, it can be safe. However, there are also disadvantages and dangers associated with this sleeping method. While the decision is completely up to the parents to make, the pros and cons of co-sleeping should be considered before making the choice.
Pro: Feeding
According to Babycenter.com, breastfeeding can be more convenient when co-sleeping. Because feeding your baby in the nighttime is necessary during his first year, co-sleeping allows a mother to lie in bed and sleep while she breastfeeds. In addition, children tend to breastfeed more when they are co-sleeping. Breastfeed.com says that co-sleeping children who breastfeed often fall back to sleep easier after being awakened for a nighttime feeding.
Con: Lack of Sleep
Sharing a bed with a baby is not easy for all parents. As Babycenter.com says, some parents find it hard to get used to a squirmy, restless baby in bed next to them. Babies wake up often during the night and a hyper-alert mother can be very aware of that. Co-sleeping can make it difficult for a child to sleep at nap time or when staying the night at someone else's house without Mom.
Pro: More Time Spent Together
Co-sleeping can be a great way to squeeze in extra time with your baby, especially when parents work and are away from their baby during the day. Kidshealth.org says that sleeping with their infant helps some parents regain a closeness that they missed during the day. The nurturing bond felt while taking care of your infant during the night can improve the parent/child relationship.
Con: SIDS and Death
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advise against parents sleeping with their infants. Babies can suffocate or become strangled in the bed frame. The AAP has reported that the risk for SIDS is higher, under certain conditions, when a baby co-sleeps. This is especially relevant when a mother smokes or uses drugs or alcohol. In addition, the risk is higher if a parent sleeps with their baby on a sofa.
Pro: More Sleep for Both
Greatdad.com reports that it may actually be easier for both baby and mother to get quality sleep when co-sleeping. Babies fall back to sleep more easily after waking in the middle of the night. In addition, some studies have shown that babies tend to wake up less in the night. Their crying is also reduced, possibly because a parent can respond much more quickly when a baby is right next to her.
