co-sleeping?? what do people think?

Question

I am a single parent & sleep with my 3 children ranging from 7months to 10 years. It just feels right to have them all together with me & they are obviously very happy with this arrangement. They have all slept with me from birth. What do people think about co-sleeping.

Answer 1

If you happen to work during the day, then sleep sharing gives you some extra time to spend with your children. The nurturing and closeness that happen during the night can help create a stronger relationship between you and your kids.

Supposedly, sleep-sharing babies tend to breastfeed more, yet disrupt mom's sleep less, than babies who sleep alone. Babies who sleep with their parents tend to stay awake for shorter periods of time during the night than solitary sleepers, and they may cry significantly less, too. Some people even think that they have more energy to grow and a stronger immune system as a result.

Sleeping close to your baby (or kids, in your case) also allows you to quickly respond if she starts to choke or has trouble breathing. You're better able to free her if she gets tangled in a blanket, too.

My son will be ONE year old in a little under a month, and around his first birthday, he is going straight into a twin-bed with a railing. The crib we never even bothered with. He slept in his bassinette for naps until about 3 months, after that, we put it away, and he just sleeps in our bed, however, we are getting ready to make the transition, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be!

Good luck with it! I say, if you're all comfortable and happy, then go for it! (However, what are going to do if Mr. Right comes along..... ;))

Answer 2

Personally, I think it's wrong. As children it makes them feel all safe and cozy. And there isn't anything wrong with that per say. Whether or not it diminishes your privacy is up to you to decide, but I do see two potential problems. The first is they may have difficulty sleeping alone when they get older. Having never learned to feel comfortable sleeping on their own, this could cause them problems as adults.

Also, I see it as a major problem if you ever meet a man. First off, it automatically puts him in the position of displacing your children which could cause resentment by then and even you, but it also could create some very uncomfortable situations. I had a girlfriend with two children. Not long after we started sleeping together, we woke up one morning to find her son had crawled into bed with us and wet the bed. As a parent myself, I realize things happen and it wasn't a huge deal. But it was also more reality than I was interested in dealing with in a dating situation.

Answer 3

This is tough because being a new mom I love having my baby in the bed however I do refrain from it since there is a higher risk of Sids. Seeing how your children are older (except the 7 month old) I guess there is no real danger. However, when it comes time that a significant other comes into the picture I think the seperation and jealousy may be worse than if they slept seperatly...

Answer 4

I personally think it's fine as an infant... but then the child should be weaned from your bed.
But my husband thinks that children of Any age do not belong in their parents bed.
So I am going with his wishes and baby will sleep in a Bassanet right next to My side of the bed.

My Brother who is a single parent co-sleeps with my nefew... and has for since he was born. (he is 8 years old now) I think it works for them though I may not completly agree.

Answer 5

I have a big issue with co-sleeping. I am in favor of it. I think it's a good bonding experience for the children (especially babies). It's convenient for breastfeeding babies. And convenient for all the other parenting that might need to be done in the night.

Cultures all around the world co-sleep. It seems as if Western culture is so focused on independence, that it ignores the fact that: of course babies want to be around someone at all times--they depend on others to take care of their every need.

I don't really understand why people seem to think it is so horrible (excepting the SIDS risk--which is disputed by some). I've had people look down on me, offer me advise and information on "how to get him in his own bed." I feel like people think I'm spoiling or coddling my son by allowing him to sleep with me. It just never felt natural to me to try to force my son to sleep alone (I refuse to "use the cry it out method" to accomplish it).

I think, when a child is ready to sleep alone, he or she will. Why force it before they are ready? It's no problem to me, and apparently my son likes it.

I say, do whatever works for you. If other people don't like it, they don't have to live with whatever possible consequences there might be.

Thanks for asking. I needed to rant. :)

Answer 6

I am a mother of 2 , they are now grown and out side the home. I would not continue with that routine, first of all you should not let boys-girls sleep with one another you are the parent so you know'' why that is not a good thing.#2 unless you have no other choice then to have to sleep with your children,'' you being the parent should know that allowing your children to sleep with you will have a define it impact on you and an even bigger one for them and let me tell you it's not a good one.

Answer 7

Our twins are 10 months previous. they have slept in the process the night for the main area (we've had some strengthen spurts and teething that disrupted sleep varieties) for the reason that approximately 3 months previous. we don't co-sleep - there are 2 of them and that they do nicely of their cribs. each each so in many cases if one is sick or up early interior the morning, we can convey them into mattress to snuggle yet we don't incredibly co-sleep. superb desires!

Answer 8

The thought scares me. I'd be really scared that they would fall out of bed, end up under the blankets, or we'd lye on them or hurt them in some way. I only feel they are safe when I know they are snuggled up in their own bed, where they have all slept very happily since birth. The moniter allows me to know they are O.K.

Answer 9

I think it's okay, as long as it isn't a newborn b/c sleeping in an adult bed can increase the risk of SIDS. I slept in the same bed w/ my dad until I was 11. There was no molesting involved, I just enjoyed the company. After I started puberty, he told me it would be best to sleep in my own bed. Nothing wrong with it, I think it is a good bonding technique.

Answer 10

americans are the only ones who stick their newborns in another room the moment they are brought home after spending 10months in the womb... it's sick. it's economical, loving, and healthy to be co-sleeping with your children/family. I would often crawl into my dad's bed to sleep after my mother died out of comfort all the way until I was in college!... as far as young children as they get older, they tend to realize there's not enough room for them in the bed anyway! You're not stunting ANYTHING about them... so long as they are well rounded in other areas of their lives and they DO have access to their OWN space as well, and the option to sleep in their own space when they want to then great... It's an amazing experience being next to a well known warm body at night for a full night's PEACEFUL rest. SO BE IT! ten bucks says they'll love you, respect, and listen to you better with the bond you're creating.

When/if you decide to start a relationship, then things will need to be adjusted. Obviously you're not getting into any serious relationships right now anyway with having had a baby 7 months ago. Focusing on your children right now is important anyway. And as far as having intimate times with a partner in the future, it's obvious you're going to have that regardless... if it was EVER a problem you wouldn't have the addition of the 7 month old in the first place...
An attached co-sleeper works fantastic for the younger babies... and there is a wooden one out there that goes all the way up to 250 lbs.