by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: November 19, 2008

Co-sleeping sharing your bed with your baby. This can be a wonderful experience, having your baby sleep peacefully next to you. Waking up in the morning to see his or her beautiful face looking up at you smiling, excited to spend the day with you. Although this can be a beautiful bonding, and assuring situation it does not work for every family or baby. I have heard a lot of mothers say that they are too terrified to sleep next to their baby for many fears or things they have heard. I think the question should you co-sleep with your baby is a very personally directed question with no right or wrong answer, the answer would have to be your own personal preference.

WHY CO-SLEEPING MAYBE GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY

Along with the reasons listed above, there are many reason co-sleeping works for many families. For nursing mothers, having your baby lay next to you is perfect for late night or early morning feedings. I found when I co-slept with first my daughter, then my son, both of them along with myself slept so much better and more relaxed. Mothers and Fathers are biologically programed so that their heart actually beats faster causing the mother or father to wake up when their child is crying. Even with the lighter sleep mothers and fathers actually have, ensuring biologically and psychologically our minds and bodies that we will not crush or suffocate our children while co-sleeping, I in turn found that I still slept better and was able to wake at the slightest sign of my babies fussing. This helped to prepare me for what they needed, while making it easier to attend to them quicker and make falling back to sleep much smoother and faster.

WHY CO-SLEEPING MAY NOT BE GOOD FOR YOU OR YOUR BABY

Many mothers and fathers alike, have strong fears or feelings on the topic of co-sleeping. If you or your partner truly feels uncomfortable or afraid to have their baby sleeping right next to them, don't do it. It is essential that everyone feels comfortable with the idea. You are worried about the transition from your bed, to baby's crib or toddler bed as they grow. This is also a very common concern for parents. Transition is not always easy for anyone. It will take time, but usually less time if the baby is already in his or her own bed before his or she is ready for a toddler bed. You or your partner may wish to keep your bed strictly for the two of you, even for no other reason this one is common and there is nothing wrong with keeping your bed just for you.

THINGS TO CONSITER FOR EITHER DECISION

If you choose to co-sleep with your child, it is important to keep all large and extremely soft pillows off of your bed. Just like in a crib, keep all pillows away from baby to roll onto, also ensure that your comforter will not be wrapping around your baby or too close to his or her face. Water beds are not ideal beds to co-sleep with a baby. Allow for enough room on the sides of your baby to ensure that your baby will not roll of your bed, or purchase side rails. There are also other products available to keep baby on his or her back and to assure that your baby will not roll around in his or her sleep. If co-sleeping is not for you, and you wish to still keep your baby close to you, there are also bassinets that attach to the parent(s) bed. This allows your baby to also have his or her own space, and allow the parent(s) to have their own as well.

Sleep well not mater what decision you deside is best for you or your baby. Knowing he or she is safe secure, and that you have made the best choice for him or her, along with yourself or family.

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