Top 7 Benefits to Co-Sleeping with Your Baby

Guest Post by Ashley of Live Essentially

Since Rachel just had her third bundle of joy a couple weeks ago, let’s talk babies and co-sleeping!

Co-sleeping is far from the norm in modern day parenting here in the United States. In fact it is frowned upon by those who don’t fully understand what it is and how to practice co-sleeping safely. So let’s get a good understanding of what co-sleeping is, how to practice it safely, and the many benefits of co-sleeping with your child.

What is co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping is the practice of a baby or child sleeping in the same bed or near the mother and father. Some people chose to use “co-sleepers” such as this one that go next to the bed as opposed to having the child sleep in the bed with them.

Is it Safe?

As long as co-sleeping is practiced safely, it is safe and beneficial for both you and baby. Follow these simple safety tips to practice safe co-sleeping.

• Never sleep with your baby when you are under the influence of alcohol prescription medication which causes drowsiness
• Take precaution to not let your baby roll off of the bed
• Do not sleep on soft surfaces such as a waterbed
• Put baby to sleep on their back
• Keep clothing and blankets to a minimum, do not overheat baby
• If you feel overly exhausted or do not wake easily, consider using a co-sleeper on the side of the bed as opposed to have baby in bed with you

What are the benefits?

1. Building a Bond- Most bonds between mother and child come naturally, but co-sleeping enhances that bond, but offering comfort and cuddles to the baby and allowing mom to meet their needs quickly throughout the night.
2. Makes Breastfeeding Easier- If you are a nursing mom, you can appreciate the convenience of having a baby right next to you and ready to eat, as opposed to getting out up and out of bed.
3. Reduces the Risk of SIDS- That’s right! Most people think that co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS, but in fact it is the opposite way around. Read more on “Why Babies Should Never Sleep Alone.”
4. Eliminates the Cry it Out Method- The cry it out method is pretty common for most household, but there is a lot of debate about it and how it affects the child short and long term. When you co-sleep with your baby you are automatically eliminating the cry it out method or any of the negative effects that it may have.
5. More Sleep for You- A baby who is co-sleeping with mom tend to startle less than those sleeping in a crib, meaning less times for you to wake up and comfort a startled baby in the middle of the night.
6. Gives child a sense of security- Sleeping close to mom and dad gives baby a strong sense of security. They are comforted by your closeness and touch. Continuous co-sleeping throughout a child’s early years will create a sense of independence and certainty from the accumulated securities of their co-sleeping days.
7. More time with baby- If you are a working mom and get to spend only a few hours before bed time with your baby, this is a great way to squeeze in some more time with your little one, even if their eyes are closed.

These are just a few of the many more benefits that both a parent and child experience from co-sleeping.

For more information and further readings check out:

• Scientific Benefits of Co-sleeping by Dr. Sears
• Why Babies Should Never Sleep Alone by James McKenna
• Co-sleeping Safety by PhD in Parenting

Do you co-sleep with your children?

Ashlee is the owner/blogger of LiveEssentially.com. She is a wife, mother, massage therapist, and blogger. She is passionate about all things green and crunchy and writes to inspire others to live a natural happier and healthier life. Check her out on Facebook!