The Risks and Benefits of Co-Sleeping with Your Baby

When my third daughter was a toddler, I began putting her in my bed. Honestly, it was the benefit of getting more than three hours of shuteye at a time that made me do it. Today, though, with a push toward a more natural method of raising children, many parents have made the decision to co-sleep with their child. There are said to be many benefits to this method of sleeping, but if it's not done correctly, there are also many risks.

The greatest benefit, by far, is the lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in babies that co-sleep with their parents. Some believe this is due to the fact that these babies spend less time in deep sleep, when there is a bigger risk of apnea. Listening to their parents breathing may also help a baby imitate healthy breathing patterns.

Although many parents believe that allowing a baby to sleep alone in a crib teaches him or her to self-soothe and be more independent, those who back co-sleeping believe quite the opposite. Babies that sleep alone tend to be more stressed, with elevated levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Babies that co-sleep with their parents, on the other hand, are less likely to suffer from stress disorders. It makes sense, I suppose, since babies that know their needs will be met tend to be more adjusted than those who are left to cry for extended periods of time.

If co-sleeping isn't done correctly, it can very easily end in tragedy. Risk of suffocation is very real when a newborn is put beside a sleeping adult. It only takes a moment of rolling on top of or against a baby to cause suffocation. Because of this, it is extremely important to be safe when it comes to co-sleeping.

The number one rule of co-sleeping is to be aware of your baby at all times during the night. If you are a deep sleeper, have a sleep disorder or take medication to help you sleep, it is probably not a good idea to co-sleep with your baby. Make sure your baby always sleeps on his or her back on a firm surface. There should never be soft blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows around the baby.

If you don't wish to have the baby in your bed, you may consider investing in a crib co-sleeper. This infant bed attaches to the parents' bed, giving all the benefits of co-sleeping without the risk. The baby is still near to nurse and can still hear the rhythm of the parents' breathing.

In the end, co-sleeping is a personal decision and a huge commitment. If you choose to have your baby sleep in a crib, it by no means reflects your ability to parent. Do what works for you and your baby, and you can't go wrong.

Sources:

"Safe Co-Sleeping with Your Baby," Parenthood.com.