Sleeping…Go It Alone or with Your Baby
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
When you have a little one, sleep is a priority. Some go it alone with their baby safe and sound in a bassinet or crib, while others prefer to co-sleep with their infant. Is there a right or a wrong way?
Everyone seems to have an opinion.
The question is, what works for you?
Why co-sleeping? For some, co-sleeping provides the advantages of:
- Offering the ease of breastfeeding during the night.
- Helps parents, especially the mother, to feel more rested as they generally do not have to awaken fully to walk from bed to crib, etc. during the night.
- Often creates "more in sync" sleeping patterns between mother and child.
- May help you feel a closeness to your child, which is of great value, especially if you have returned to work and are absent from your child during the day.
Although the benefits are worthwhile, there certainly are a few other things to consider before snuggling up to your infant at night:
- Co-sleeping with an infant may pose dangers such as suffocation and/or strangulation. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that the risk is not worth the benefits.
- Although it may be convenient now, the question becomes when and how you will transition your infant to being able to sleep independently? Just like other skills, you will need to help your baby acquire the skills to fall asleep on their own. How and when do you want this to happen?
- Finally, if you are looking to be "romantic" (wink, wink) with your partner, a little one in the middle of your bed may certainly impede these activities.
On the other hand, placing your baby in a crib or bassinet may also present challenges. Specifically, as a mother to a young infant, you may find yourself running a relay through the night as your child needs to be soothed and/or fed. As a result, you may find yourself feeling exhausted more often than not.
As with most things in parenthood, perhaps moderation is the key. Chances are you, like other parents, may find yourself with a babe (or make that baby) in your bed at one time or another.
When you do, it is most important to play it safe. Be cognizant of where your baby is in terms of placement in your bed. Be aware and cautious of the use of pillows or comforters. Never leave your baby unattended.
There are several other compromises, including co-sleeper bassinets, which don't quite have your baby in bed with you, but within arm's reach.
Whether you snuggle together in one bed, or snuggle before you put your little one in their own bed, do what's right for you and your family.
Co-sleeping or going it alone? Everyone does it differently, and chances are you will too.
