The Pros and Cons of Co-Sleeping with your Baby

Co-sleeping has become more popular and acceptable than it was back in the day. With new evidence
suggesting a baby gets a better night’s sleep while sleeping next to their mom or dad, there is also
evidence to argue whether co-sleeping with your baby is really a good idea. Co-sleeping with your baby
is a personal preference, but shouldn’t be decided until you’ve read all of the pros and cons of co-
sleeping with your baby and discussed this information with your partner to get on the same page with a
solid decision on the topic. So, let’s look at what are the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your baby.

Cons of Co-Sleeping with Your Baby

Discourages Independence

One argument of co-sleeping being a bad decision for parents is that it could discourage independence.
A baby who co-sleeps will get used to sleeping next to their parents or parent and in turn lose the
natural progress of learning how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

Increased SIDS Risk

Many include co-sleeping as a cause of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), due to the fact that baby
is co-sleeping with their parents with large blankets, sheets and quite often in between two parents who
could roll over on the baby.

Less Quality Sleep

Lastly, one con to co-sleeping is that instead of feeling comforted and sleeping through the night, the
baby will end up wanting to feed more often during the night. This causes both baby and parents to
have less quality sleep overnight and can lead to moody parents.

Pros of Co-Sleeping with Your Baby

Feel of Security

Babies enjoy being close to their parents, especially their mother, as they heard their mother’s
heartbeat in the womb. This helps baby relax easier and feel secure as they drift off to sleep next to
their mother’s beating heart.

Closer Bond

Parents who co-sleep with their baby may hold a closer bond with their baby as it grows older. When
you co-sleep with your baby they start to feel like they can trust you with anything from day one. This
closer bond can be beneficial later on in your child’s life.

Sleep Better

Lastly, some parents argue that when they co-sleep with a baby that they tend to have a deeper level of
sleep because they don’t wake up to check the baby monitor as often. The baby is next to them so they
feel less anxious about whether a baby is okay in their bed or not and in turn sleep better.
Whatever you decide to do, co-sleeping with your baby is a very personal decision. Many parents have
successfully co-slept with their little one and transitioned that child into their own toddler bed when the
time was right. Before you make a decision about co-sleeping with your baby, be sure to review all the pros and cons to determine what will make you most comfortable as a parent to a new baby.

New here? Why not give me a like and a follow on facebook, pinterest, and twitter! While you’re here check out my other helpful baby articles! Here’s my baby shower games for you.  Then check out what to pack in the diaper bag before you head to the hospital!