The Pros and Cons of Co Sleeping with Your Children

How one raises his/her children can be a touchy subject to discuss. Many parents believe many different philosophies. They have different points of view. Some parents are more lenient while others are strict. As soon as the baby comes home from the hospital, the parents begin making choices based on their beliefs and values.

Some parents are totally against co-sleeping with their children. They lay the baby down and often allow it to cry itself to sleep. Other parents are completely the opposite. They cannot imagine letting their child cry in bed or in the crib. They satisfy their child's need no matter what it takes. I have known some parents that actually sleep on the couch with their child. Others allow their infant to sleep on top of the mom or dad's stomach through the night.

There are both pros and cons to sleeping with your children. I have slept with my children. I have also had my children sleep alone.

One of the pros of sleeping with your children is that everyone receives sleep. Children usually sleep longer and sounder when they are in the bed with someone else. Therefore for parents that are desperate for sleep, co sleeping may be a wonderful option.

Co sleeping can also be a positive experience for paranoid or uneasy parents. When the child is in the room with you, you know that your child is safe. You do not have to continually get up and go check on your child. You do not have to worry about your toddler getting out of bed and wandering during the night.

Although co sleeping does have some positive points, it is not always the best solution. Having children in the bed with parents can damper a couple's relationship. It can also be difficult for parents to sleep after the child grows and takes up more space in bed.

Once your child is dependent on having your presence to sleep, it can be very difficult for times when you are not available to lay down with your child. There are times when parents wish to stay up later to work or relax after the children go to bed. After your child is used to having you in bed, sleeping alone is very difficult.

I enjoy the closeness that I have experienced sleeping with my children. It is nice to cuddle and hold them. However since they are sleeping by themselves now, I have also enjoyed the time that I have to myself after they go to sleep.