They believe co-sleeping is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cheaper and easier than buying a bassinet or crib to set up in the parents\u2019 bedroom;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The best way to build a stronger connection between mother and baby; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Less dangerous, since they can keep an eye on the baby without needing to get out of bed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cParents sometimes plan to co-sleep so they can make nighttime feedings easier as well as bond with the baby,” adds Nicole Johnson, president and owner of The Baby Sleep Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also says some parents co-sleep out of necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“When your baby won\u2019t sleep, it\u2019s borderline torture if not actual torture,” says Johnson. “It\u2019s hard for many new parents to cope with the sleep deprivation so they may go into survival mode. This often means pulling the baby into bed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, as research shows\u2014and experts point out\u2014co-sleeping could have serious risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related: A sleep coach shares her best baby sleep tips<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is co-sleeping dangerous for baby?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although it feels \u201cnatural\u201d to co-sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly discourages the practice<\/a> because of the potential danger it presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe risk of co-sleeping outweighs any potential benefits,\u201d says Jordan Seidel, owner of Let Mommy Sleep<\/a>, a Las Vegas-based company that provides overnight care to newborns so parents can recuperate when transitioning from hospital to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So for your baby’s safety, it\u2019s best to resist the urge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCo-sleeping,\u201d elaborates Seidel, \u201cis associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Johnson explains why this is so risky: \u201cCo-sleeping in terms of bed-sharing can be dangerous because a parent can roll on top of the baby or accidentally cover them with blankets that can suffocate the baby,” she says. “In addition, adults typically have soft bedding which has been categorized as a risk of SIDS.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If these warnings aren\u2019t enough to deter you from co-sleeping with your new baby, then a new study published in the Journal of Development and Behavioral Pediatrics<\/em> might. Per the study, co-sleeping doesn’t increase mother-infant bonding<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur main finding is that parental bed-sharing during the first six months does not affect secure attachments of the baby and the mother, and also mother’s bonding with the baby,\u201d study lead Ayten Bilgin, lecturer in developmental psychology at the University of Kent, in England, told HealthDay<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study analyzed data from 178 infants and their parents from a mix of questionnaires and in-person visits, at term and then again at three, six, and 18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It found no associations between sharing a bed with baby during the first six months and maternal bonding, infant-mother attachment, sensitive parenting, and infant behavioral outcomes (such as attention levels, hyperactivity, and task persistence at 18 months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think as long as the parents have interactions during the day with their baby, then there shouldn’t be any worries about their bonding or attachment,\u201d says Bilgin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the study, there’s also consistent evidence that the risk of SIDS increased when infants shared a bed with their parents, even without hazardous situations. That was further increased if there was parental use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or sleeping on a soft surface. The AAP notes that 3,500 infants die in the United States<\/a> each year from sleep-related causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the flip side, allowing your child to sleep on their own can be good for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTeaching them to sleep independently will help them through their developmental years,\u201d says Dorothy Chambers, sleep expert with Sleep Junkie<\/a>. \u201cIt will be beneficial to teach them sleep associations to help them adopt proper sleeping times. This will help them establish their body clock and get good quality sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related: How much sleep your child needs, according to their age<\/a><\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFind the right crib mattress for your baby<\/p>\n \n
\n \n![\"saatva](\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/crib-mattress-1024x515.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n \n Crib Mattress<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n
This dual-sided crib mattress is designed with the unique sleep needs of babies and toddlers in mind. Handcrafted with a hypoallergenic cover made with organic cotton, GOTS\u00ae certified organic wool, and recycled steel coils. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
How do you ensure your baby sleeps safely?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although the AAP recommends against bed-sharing, that doesn’t mean infants must sleep in a different room. The group recommends infants sleep in their own crib in the same room as their parents for at least six months but preferably for a full year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInstead of co-sleeping, consider room sharing,\u201d says Seidel, citing the AAP recommendation. \u201cYour baby can sleep in their own portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your room, even right next to your bed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seidel notes that the AAP \u201calso recommends putting your baby to sleep on their back and making sure their sleep space is clear of any blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, etc.\u201d She adds, \u201cThis safe alternative allows you to feel safe and secure with your baby near, without posing any of the risks co-sleeping does.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides room sharing, the AAP also recommends that a safe sleep environment include using a firm sleep surface, i.e., acrib mattress<\/span> and avoiding soft bedding and overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To further reduce the risk of SIDS, the AAP advises breastfeeding<\/a>, routine immunizations, using a pacifier<\/a>, and avoiding exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n