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The Family BedShould You or Shouldn't You?
The Family BedShould You or Shouldn't You?
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Many parents often wonder whether it is healthy to have their children sleep with them. I have my own opinion on this matter, but I would like to present both sides of this ever-growing debate. After reading through the provided information-and doing some research of your own-you can make an informed decision as to what is best for your family; the family bed or separate beds
In many parts of the world, including the United States, it is common practice for children to sleep with their parents-from birth, through toddler hood, and beyond. People who support the family bed often wonder why society even questions the practice. Some supporters of the family bed feel others are insensitive for forcing children sleep alone in the dark, at such an early age.
Pros of the Family Bed Sharing a bed disrupts sleep much less, for everyone concerned;Co-sleeping gives infants and small children a sense of security, which promotes strength and independence as they grow older;Working parents are able to spend extra time with their children. Cons of The Family Bed
Co-sleeping may interfere with the sleeping patterns of adults; an over-crowded bed with a wiggling toddler can make for a restless night;Intimacy and bonding with your partner may be compromised. This part of the marriage or commitment is very important for your relationship, and may be the only time you have to actually talk and be with each other;Co-sleeping is a very hard habit to break. The child may have a difficult time understanding why her parents no longer want her in their bed.
These are all valid reasons for either argument. There are ways, however, to have the best of both worlds; if you open your eyes to the possibilities. It is good to want your child close to you, but instead of putting your child in the bed with you, consider moving a small bed or crib into your room. With this scenario, the child still has a sense of security, and you have the ease and peace of mind of being close to her. There is no wiggly bundle of joy between the two of you, so some of your privacy is preserved. Also available are products that resemble a three-sided crib, with the open side placed against the side of the bed. This allows for the closeness that co-sleeping provides, but offers an opportunity for your baby to become comfortable in her own sleeping area.
Using either of the above methods will help the child transition to her own room, when she is ready. Simply put, the bed or crib that shared space in your room is the same one going into her room, so there will still be some comfort and familiarity in the new setting. The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to go about developing sleeping habits with your child. It is up to you and your family to decide what works best for you.
Attachment Parenting Co-sleeping: Should I Let My Baby Sleep With MeBenefits of The Family Bed Well Rested Mama: On Co-sleeping Talk about it in the Parenting Board
Kim Draper is a freelance writer and contibuting writer for Baby Corner.
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