Parenting Articles Archive related to Co-sleeping

Co-sleeping

Co-sleeping is a common practice where children sleep in close proximity to their parents. It does not necessarily have to be bed-sharing. The parents and children could be in the same room but sleep in different places. In any case, both parties are able to sense each other’s presence. Co-sleeping allows children to feel closer to their parents and be within reach. Consequently, parents are more responsive to their children’s needs. As a result, most parents and children report better and more peaceful sleep than when they are in separate rooms. Children who co-sleep with their parents have less stress, are more relaxed, are less anxious, are independent, and generally tend to have fewer behavioral problems. Co-sleeping has a few setbacks, however, especially if the parents practice undesirable behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug use, which could cause children to develop respiratory problems or other conditions. Even parents who have skin disorders may affect their children since co-sleeping might spread the infection to the child. Such cases should be discouraged to avoid harming the child. Parents who co-sleep with their children also lack privacy, which might lead to reduced intimacy for couples. However, when practiced safely and carefully, co-sleeping proves to be effective and beneficial to both parents and children.

May 26, 2018May 10, 2023

Sleep Training

Independent Sleeping versus Co-sleeping: Where’s the Best Place for My Baby to Sleep?

One of the inevitable debates related to infant sleep is whether the baby should sleep in the parents’ bed or in a crib either in the parents’ room or in a nursery. Thus, positive parenting solutions to help babies rest and develop in a reassuring environment need to be identified. A little