What are the benefits of co-sleeping?

Question

I am posting a blog and would like to know what mothers who co-sleep think. How does co-sleeping benefit your entire life? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Beyond waking up next to the most beautiful baby in the world?

Studies have shown that when the baby is placed next to the mother during sleep, the mother's breathing helps regulate the baby's breathing, thus reducing the chance of SIDS.

It also provides wonderful bonding time for parents and baby, which would create a more emotionally stable child.

It also makes night feedings for breastfed babies a dream. Seriously, all that complaining you hear from new mothers? You could eliminate all that by feeding the baby in your sleep! It's wonderful and the prolonged time on the breast (which your child is also using for comfort) will help insure your milk supply.

Whenever my daughter got fussy in the first couple months, I would put her down for a nap by laying next to her and nursing. It was wonderful for making sure she felt secure, which in turn has made her a happier, more self sufficient toddler.

Answer 2

O co-sleeping is so wonderful. Dr. Sears has a wonderful website with great info on co sleeping. But I'll tell you what I see us benefitting.

My daughter has NEVER woken up in the middle of the night crying. I'm always there, and we've had only 1 or 2 partially sleepless nights, (when she was learning to walk, she would toss around a bit). She's 8 1/2 months old now, and we've never had a problem with breastfeeding. At first, I would sleep with her on my chest in a recliner. I found it easier to breastfeed like that, as we were still both learning and it took some concentration. Then we moved to the bed, and all I had to do was pull my shirt up and feed her (eventually I just slept right through it, and left my shirt up :))
My baby is always happy, very secure, smart, and developing well beyond her age. I contribute it to the way we parent, which co-sleeping (as well as breastfeeding) is a big part of. Babies shouldn't spend energy on being afraid or upset because mommy isn't there, or doesn't come to their cries. Their energy should be spent on learning and developing and growing.

That's what I think the benefits of co-sleeping are. (and of course, the reduced risk of SIDS kinda puts a cherry on top :))

Answer 3

Well, my brother and sister in law do it with their kids, and they swear by it. They say it is a way for the family to be close and have a sort of bonding time, even while asleep. Apparently, it makes feeding much easier too, on baby and mother. If the baby is hungry, just lean over and feed it--no getting up, turning on lights, taking baby out of crib or putting it back to sleep.

Answer 4

I co-slept with my DD from about 1 month until almost 1 year. I found it was much easier because I was breastfeeding her at the time, so whenever she woke up at night I literally rolled over- I only wore a thin tank top most nights, and later on I would just leave it up and she would drink whenver she wanted. Obviously as she started growing teeth that wasn't the best for her teeth, but before then it was great.

I also enjoyed having her near me- I work during the day, and loved that time snuggling with her as we fell asleep and as we woke up.

Answer 5

It makes life SO much easier when you're at least half rested. With 3 teens to run around all the time, breastfeeding & having the baby sleep with me, I get MUCH more sleep, get lots more cuddling with the baby, & it helps to prevent SIDS. I let the other 3 big boys do the same thing. They do eventually grow up.......wouldn't have it ANY other way! :)

Answer 6

It decreases SIDS by like 40% or something or maybe it is just being in the same room as the mother it decreases SIDS (I would research that to make sure)

Also it probably is just an added form of bonding and closeness mother and child can share.

Answer 7

I sleep better with baby next to me. Since I also nurse no need to get out of bed to feed. Just latch baby on and go back to sleep. I love having little one to snuggle.

Answer 8

MY daughter and I are much happier. I'm happier because I actually get to sleep at night...I just pull up my shirt to feed her. And she's happier because she doesn't cry at night, and she gets to wake up with mommy right there!

Answer 9

As far as i am concerned NONE. My son is now 3 and i just recenlty got him out of my bed which was hell to do. but now that he sleeps alone he actually sleeps through the night and i can have the bed for me and my husband again. plus do you know how many times my poor son has fallen out of bed? yeah really not fun to wake up to a screaming kid laying on the floor!