Co sleeping what is it

It is important for you to know how to do it safely, as there are some circumstances where co-sleeping with your baby can be dangerous. This guide can help. When you are overly tired, unwell or have taken alcohol or drugs that make you drowsy including both drugs from the chemist and recreational drugs , you are less likely to wake up if there is a problem — which is why co-sleeping is very dangerous in these circumstances.

Babies who are sick, premature or small for their gestational age have a higher risk of sudden unexpected death, and co-sleeping adds to this higher risk. Sleep training with your baby in the same room can be a challenge, but it is possible. You can stop room-sharing when your baby is 6 to 12 months old, according to the AAP's recommendations.

Beyond that, the answer on when to stop room-sharing comes down to what feels right for your family. Research shows that as babies get older , both infants and their parents tend to sleep worse when sharing a room.

These kinds of issues can continue into toddlerhood, leading to more bedtime battles and less sleep for everyone. The bottom line? Though the subject of co-sleeping can be confusing and even controversial, the most important thing to remember is that room-sharing is safe and recommended to reduce SIDS risk during infancy, while bed-sharing can be dangerous and raises SIDS risk.

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Getty Images. What is co-sleeping exactly, and is it safe? That depends on the definition — and there are a few. Here's what every parent needs to know.

Back to Top. In This Article. I see how it can be problematic for some individuals, which means each one should be decided on a case to case situation. I have two daughters who sleep like logs. I would never suggest they have their babies in the bed with them. I, on the other hand was a light sleeper and any movement alerted me. I put a pillow in the middle of the bed between the father and baby, and had a guardrail on the outside of the bed.

It worked just great for me. It is true that for thousands of years the entire family slept in one bed, for various reasons.

So, anyone who is considering this decision simply needs to decide if the circumstances are safe for the baby or child. Everything else is secondary. It's your life, not anyone else's.

By Maria Carter Updated July 07, Save Pin FB More. There's a historical precedent for the practice. In many cultures all over the world, children have shared a bed with their parents for centuries. Nursing mothers get more sleep this way. Some breastfeeding moms find it easier to have their child nearby for nighttime feedings with minimal interruption of sleep for both parties.

It helps children feel safe and secure. Some parents believe it's cruel to isolate a highly social child by putting him in his bed alone at night. Others simply feel that children derive a greater sense of security and well-being from sleeping near their mom and dad. Your kids may develop a sleep crutch. Always having a parent around at bedtime can become a strong "sleep onset association," also called a sleep crutch or sleep prop—something your kid can't drift off without.

Your kids may display anxious behaviors. In addition to developing the sleep crutch, some children will come to expect interactions like back rubbing, patting, and being held to fall asleep. Schneeberg explains. One bedtime doesn't fit all. Children of different ages need different amounts of sleep, and their bedtimes vary accordingly. In families that share a bed, parents and older children end up turning in much earlier than they might wish, based on when the youngest children need to, explains Dr.

This situation easily becomes frustrating for everyone involved. Your sleep quality may suffer.