Sleeping in the same bed as your child is a hotly debated topic within the parenting community. Review the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your newborn so you can make an informed decision regarding your own sleeping arrangements.

Pro: Convenient Breastfeeding

Sharing a bed with your newborn can make breastfeeding a more seamless experience because you can respond to your hungry baby right away. Since your child is located right next to you, it’s possible to have a middle-of-the-night feeding session without mom and baby fully waking up. Thus, it’s easier to go back to sleep and have a more restful night.

During the wee hours of the morning, it’s tempting to doze off while you’re breastfeeding your baby on a sofa or chair. However, doing so can greatly increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But if you choose to breastfeed and co-sleep, you can help reduce the risk of SIDS.

Pro: Quick Response Time

Co-sleeping allows you to quickly respond to your baby’s needs because they’re right next to you. Plus, you can spend more time with your newborn, which can be comforting for both of you. Some parents believe they strengthen the bond with their child by sleeping in the same bed.

When you’re sleeping next to each other, you’re more likely to check on your child throughout the night. You’ll be able to immediately know if they seem unwell or if they’re running a fever. Additionally, some babies find it difficult to fall asleep without the closeness of a parent. If your baby has a hard time self-soothing, co-sleeping can make it easier for your little one to settle down, allowing both of you to enjoy some better-quality sleep.

Con: Sleep Crutch

If your child is accustomed to always having a parent around at bedtime, they can develop a sleep crutch. In other words, your baby won’t be able to fall asleep without your presence. As your baby grows older, a sleep crutch can hinder your ability to make nighttime plans. If you’re the only one that can help your little one drift off to sleep, you’ll never be able to miss a bedtime routine.

At some point, children need to learn how to fall asleep without a parent nearby. Although it’s very tempting to rock or pat your baby to sleep every time they have trouble dozing off, your future self will appreciate it if you teach your child important self-soothing methods. Resisting the urge to jump in whenever your little one stirs will benefit both you and your child in the long run.

Con: Disconnected From Partner

For many parents, evenings are sacred because they’re the only time to be alone together. If you choose to co-sleep, you must go to bed at the same time as your child, meaning you’re denied spending quality time with your partner. You’re also physically separated from your significant other when your little one shares your bed, so there’s no space for intimacy. By only having limited time with your partner, you may become disconnected.

Any discussion regarding the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your newborn is incredibly layered and complex. Regardless of your current sleeping arrangements, you can check out Simply Nursery’s beautiful selection of natural wood baby cribs. Our cribs are perfect for all stages of your child’s life.