co-sleeping, a tradition that largely disappeared in the 18th century, has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years. This practice, which involves babies sleeping next to their parents, either in the same bed or in an adjoining crib, remains a topic of discussion among experts, parents and health professionals. While some underline its benefits in breastfeeding and strengthening the family bond, others argue potential risks such as suffocation and interference with the child's independence.
This article makes a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages co-sleeping, incorporating the latest available research and the practical experiences of different families.
What is co-sleeping and how is it practiced?
Co-sleeping can be defined as the practice of sharing sleeping space with babies, either in the same bed or in adjacent beds. Many modern families They opt for co-sleeping cribs, specifically designed to attach to the parents' bed. This allows them to maintain closeness with their baby while ensuring a safe and separate space.
For many cultures, co-sleeping has been the norm for centuries. In places like Japan, it is common for children to share the same sleeping space with their parents well into their later years. On the other hand, in Western culture, co-sleeping became less common in the 20th century due to the Related concerns with security and privacy.
Advantages of co-sleeping
1. Promote breastfeeding
One of the most prominent arguments in favor of co-sleeping is its ability to facilitate Breastfeeding. By sleeping close to the baby, mothers can quickly respond to their nighttime feeding needs without having to get up and walk to another room. This not only improves the maternal rest, but also enhances the continuity of breastfeeding, promoting milk production and strengthening the emotional bond between mother and child.
In addition, physical proximity during the night can help regularize the patterns breastfeeding of the baby, allowing for more frequent and efficient feeding sessions.
2. Improves sleep and reduces stress
Babies who sleep close to their parents tend to cry less during the night, as the presence of caregivers provides them with a sense of security. According to various studies, co-sleeping can also help babies reach the deeper stages of sleep, such as the REM stage, more easily.
This proximity not only benefits the baby, but also the parents, who can rest more knowing that your child is safe and accessible. Some studies even suggest that this close contact regulates cortisol levels, reducing stress in both the baby and the adults.
3. Strengthens the emotional bond
Constant physical contact during the night reinforces the emotional link between parents and children. This closeness provides the baby with a sense of care and protection, which can translate into greater emotional confidence as the baby grows. For parents, co-sleeping can be an opportunity to share intimate moments with their baby, especially if they have demanding work schedules during the day.
4. Economic savings
Co-sleeping can be another option economic For many families, it is not necessary to invest in expensive cots or children's rooms from the start. Co-sleeping cots, which adapt to the parents' bed, are often more affordable and practical during the first months of the baby's life.
5. Reduction of night crying problems
La constant presence The parent's sleep aid can quickly calm the baby during the night, thereby reducing prolonged crying episodes. This effect not only improves the baby's rest, but also contributes to a calmer home environment.
Disadvantages of co-sleeping
1. Security risks
One of the main arguments against co-sleeping is the risk of suffocation or crushing of the baby, especially if the parents are heavy sleepers, consume alcohol or take sleep-inducing medications. In addition, standard beds are not designed to ensure the safety of babies, increasing the risk of falls or becoming trapped between the mattress and the wall.
To safely co-sleep, it is essential to follow recommendations such as using adjacent cribs, avoiding pillows and blankets near the baby, and ensuring that the mother is not a smoker.
2. Impact on parents' privacy
Co-sleeping can interfere with the Privacy and the couples' sex lives. Sharing a bed with a baby can limit alone time and hinder intimate communication between parents. This, if not handled properly, could contribute to tensions in the relationship of a couple.
3. Difficulties in fostering the child's independence
Prolonged co-sleeping can make children more emotionally dependent from their parents, making the transition to sleeping alone in their own room difficult. This dependency can extend to other aspects of the child's life. child's life, such as facing fears or adapting to new situations.
4. Sleep disturbances in parents
Sharing a bed with a baby can disrupt sleep. Parents' break due to movements, kicks or nighttime crying. In addition, some parents may feel constant anxiety for the safety of the baby, which negatively affects the quality of your own sleep.
Tips for safe co-sleeping
- Use co-sleeping cribs specifically designed to attach to the parents' bed.
- Make sure the sleeping surface is firm and free of soft objects such as pillows or blankets.
- Avoid co-sleeping if either parent consumes alcohol, sedative medications or is a smoker.
- Place the baby on his back to sleep, a position that reduces the risk of Syndrome of sudden infant death (SIDS).
- Maintain an adequate temperature in the room (16-18 °C) to avoid overheating of the baby.
Co-sleeping, like any other parenting decision, requires careful analysis of its benefits and risks. Most importantly, each family assesses their individual circumstances and emotional needs to make a decision that benefits both baby and parents. If co-sleeping is chosen, following safety recommendations is key to ensuring a healthy sleep environment for the baby. The physical and emotional closeness that this practice offers can be an invaluable opportunity for strengthen the link between parents and children during the first years of life.