To co-sleep or not to co-sleep - that is the question! 🤔

So where do I stand...I have always co-slept with my bubs, & TBH I never really thought about it, for me it was natural. I could say that it was a cultural thing, but I couldn't imagine when Elijah was a bub, being anywhere else but beside me, in my bed. &, being a first-time mama & flying solo, having my baby close gave me a sense of comfort & security. This was especially true in the early days when I was breast feeding. For me as an exhausted mum also recovering from a C-section; co-sleeping meant, I was doing my very best trying to take care of both of our needs. 🥺

Elijah and I naturally developed a strong bond & understanding with each other. My boy seemed to just know that sometimes mama was struggling & at those times, he would knowingly relax. The bond that co-sleeping created between us, was instinctive & nurturing for both of us. Now that I read the pros of co-sleeping, I can see why in my circumstance, it was a natural process for me. 😁

Wins of co-sleeping:

1. Enhanced Bonding: Co-sleeping can strengthen the parent-child relationship through increased physical closeness.
2. Improved Sleep: Some parents find that co-sleeping makes it easier to comfort and soothe their child during the night, leading to better sleep for everyone.
3. Cultural Norms: In some cultures, co-sleeping is a common practice that promotes family unity & interdependence.
4. Convenience: Co-sleeping can simplify night-time feedings & make it easier for breastfeeding mothers to nurse their baby.
5. Emotional Security: Sleeping close to a parent can provide a sense of security & comfort for the child, potentially reducing anxiety.

I also know that not every parent is like me, & on reflection if I had known the cons of co-sleeping it may have made me think differently. We all need to know both sides of the story, so we can all make the best decisions. Not like me who just thought it was normal, ‘cos in my culture, parents sharing their beds was not seen or considered as unusual! 🤭

Considerations to co-sleeping: 

• Safety Risks: There is a potential risk of accidental suffocation, entrapment, or overheating when sharing a bed with a young child.
• Sleep Disturbances: Some parents may find that co-sleeping disrupts their own sleep patterns & hinders their ability to rest comfortably.
• Dependency: Co-sleeping could lead to a child becoming overly reliant on parental presence for falling asleep, making it challenging for them to self-soothe.
• Intimacy Concerns: Co-sleeping may impact the intimacy between partners if one or both feel uncomfortable sharing the bed with a child.
• Transition Challenges: Moving a child from co-sleeping to independent sleeping arrangements can be difficult & may require a gradual adjustment process.

Now being presented with this information, would I have changed my decision to co-sleep? TBH, no, ‘cos nothing happened that made me think differently - thankfully with all my naivety, co-sleeping for me was a beautiful experience. 

But since I wouldn't have changed my own decision, I think it's important for parents seriously considering co-sleeping, to know how to do it safely.

Co-sleeping can be done safely by following these guidelines: 

• Use a firm mattress: Ensure that the mattress is firm to reduce the risk of suffocation.  
• Avoid soft bedding: Keep pillows, blankets, and other soft bedding away from the baby to prevent suffocation or overheating.  
• Create a safe sleep environment: Place the baby on their back to sleep, without any loose bedding or toys around them.  
•  Avoid alcohol and drugs: Do not co-sleep if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that may impair your awareness. 
• Consider a sidecar or co-sleeper: Using a sidecar or co-sleeper that attaches securely to the adult bed can provide a separate space for the baby while still allowing for close proximity. 
• Position the baby safely: Place the baby in a position where they cannot roll off the bed or get trapped between the mattress & the wall.  
• Monitor the baby: Be aware of the baby's position & movements while co-sleeping to ensure their safety throughout the night.  
• Avoid smoking: Do not smoke in the bed or bedroom where co-sleeping occurs, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

 By following these safety guidelines, you can reduce the risks associated with co-sleeping & create a safe sleeping environment for both you & your bubs. 😍 Now, you may have read a previous blog of mine -