Pros & Cons of Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is when parents choose to sleep with their newborn babies. Many people fear co-sleeping will suffocate the infant. Others believe the practice is safe, healthy, and has existed for thousands of years.

Pro: Easy Nighttime Breastfeeding

If you intend to breastfeed, co-sleeping makes it easy to nurse your little one. It's more convenient to nurse in bed, especially when your infant is a newborn, and requires nursing every two hours.

Pro: Increased Attachment

Parents often feel more connected while sleeping next to their babies. Proponents of co-sleeping believe the baby is also more attached to her parents when sharing a family bed.

Con: Uncomfortable for the Parents

Babies who co-sleep often snuggle close to their parents. Some parents also feel a heightened sense of awareness that the baby is close to them, and avoid deep sleep for fear of hurting the baby.

Con: Possible Suffocation

For heavy sleepers, it's possible for a heavy sleeper to roll over and smother a young infant. Infants are also susceptible to suffocation if parents use heavy blankets that are pulled over the infant's face.

Warnings

If interested in co-sleeping, avoid using heavy blankets and over-dressing the baby. Encourage the baby to sleep on his back and do not use pillows around the baby.

References

• Dr. Sears Addresses Co-Sleeping
• March of Dimes' Co-Sleeping Guide