Is cosleeping a bad idea?
This is a highly debatable topic that ranks up there with breastfeeding, organic foods and circumcision. I opted to co-sleep with my children as babies. It was easier to do the middle-of-the-night feedings and I felt better being able to see them when they were so little and sleeping. Just a reassurance thing I guess. Then we made the transition to their cribs when they were each about 2 months old. Since then, we don't make a habit of letting them come back, unless there is a need, i.e. illness, nightmare, etc.
We have trained them to be independent sleepers for fear that they would become reliant on us if we let them sleep with us. Additionally, I do not lay with them until they fall asleep because I was so afraid that they would never go to asleep on their own! Maybe an exaggeration??? I don't know. But, so far so good.
What do you think?
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Carrie
said:
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Very well said Shannon.. to add.. many, many other countries co-sleep and there is a much higher instance of SIDS in the U.S. than other countries.. that makes me wonder. We co-sleep and I wouldn't have missed those moments of peaceful sleep together for anything. |
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lisa
said:
| Excellent points, Shannon! I should clarify something I said...when I said we "never let them come back" I meant on a daily basis. I agree with you, if there is a problem or if they are sick, I always let them either sleep with me, or I pull a little toddler bed or sleeping bag and let them sleep next to my bed. They really only do it if they need to. | |
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Shannon
said:
No matter where your baby sleeps you need to make sure you're doing it safely! Babies can be in danger in a crib, in a recliner with a caregiver, on a couch, in a bed, or anywhere for that matter. Safety is most important. We co-slept and still do co-sleep safely with our children. They are now 2 and 3 and have their own beds but are always welcome to come sleep in our bed if they wake in the night. Most nights they are just fine in their own room, but I never deny them the right to feel safe if they are scared. That's what works for us. I am parent that believes in many attachment-parenting practices. Doctor Sears' philosophy and books are a great resource to me as a parent. I do not believe in the need to train my children to be independent sleepers. What's so wrong with children being reliant on their parents? Who else are they going to rely upon if not you? We have very peaceful, restful nights full of love and security. That's what works in our house.  |
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