Let’s cut to the chase…Moms are often sleep-deprived. And darn it…we LIKE sleep; we NEED sleep.

Many families reclaim rest by choosing to co-sleep.  And while it has worked across cultures and generations, it tends to be a bit taboo.  Western society normalizes babies sleeping in their own cribs from day 1, which certainly works in many cases.  If the crib works for your family, that is awesome! I honor that co-sleeping is not for everyone. 

This post is for anyone currently co-sleeping or considering it as an option.  

Our family chose to co-sleep and it remains one of my favorite things about being a mom.  That’s not to say that I don’t get elbowed in the rib cage every once in awhile!  But without a doubt, my husband and I are advocates of giving co-sleeping a chance.  Not only do we get more bonding time with our two curly-haired boys, we all sleep more.

I’m finding more and more families that wear their co-sleeping badges proudly but I also find it interesting how many families co-sleep…but don’t consider themselves co-sleepers because of how overly defined it has become. The reality is that co-sleeping can look many different ways.  And that’s great!  More options!  

Let’s dive in and explore co-sleeping: the different types of co-sleeping, the benefits, how to start, and when to avoid co-sleeping. 

1.)    Types of Co-Sleeping

If you have ever slept next to your child, you have experienced co-sleeping!  Co-sleeping is not limited by age, so whether you’re sleeping next to your new baby or an 8-year old, you are co-sleeping.  Most moms have co-slept in some manner as it is natural for us (and our children) to do so.  But it can look very different from family to family.  Some families all sleep in one big family bed (that’s us).  In other families, the baby is put right next to the bed in a bassinet or even a “co-sleeper.”  Or, Mom and Dad lay with a child until they fall asleep…only to fall asleep in their child’s bed.  All of these are examples of co-sleeping. 

2.)    Benefits of Co-Sleeping

• There are tons of studies that show how mothers and babies physically respond to co-sleeping in a positive way.  It’s quite beautiful.  Research shows that babies breathe better, regulate their temperatures better and have steadier heart rhythms when co-sleeping.  Amazing, right?!
• In addition to these, co-sleeping is just….convenient.  Especially for breastfeeding mamas.  Instead of having to get up from your bed to grab a child who is probably by this time completely awake, you can just…give them the boob.  Way easier! 
• Which also ties into the next benefit: more sleep.  You are right next to your little one to provide comfort when they wake from a bad dream, wake from a bad cough or are hungry.  Being right next to your child provides immediate comfort, letting them sink back into sleep more easily.

3.)     Get Ready for Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is a safety commitment.  You need to ensure that your setup is completely safe before co-sleeping.  If you are using a side car or co-sleeper option, make sure it is safe and secured to the bed.  If you’re going to adopt a family bed style, reduce risks of falling off the bed by installing rails.  If Mom can be next to the baby, that is best.  Why?  Research shows that Moms are more aware of having a baby next to them than Dads, although new research is showing that Dads respond as well :)  Be sure to eliminate loose clothing, loose bedding and loose jewelry as these can pose hazards.  You should dress baby without the need for a blanket as you’ll want to keep those away.

4.)    When to Avoid Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is not for everyone and should only be practiced with a parent.  Siblings, babysitters, etc. should NOT co-sleep with your young children.  If you smoke, drink or use drugs, you should not co-sleep.  If your sleeping arrangement is a waterbed or other soft surface, do not co-sleep. And if you do not have the sleeping arrangements dialed in for safety, do not cosleep.

When done safely, Co-sleeping can be an opportunity for extra bonding, better health and MORE SLEEP!

What sleeping arrangements work for your family?  Have you ever co-slept?

Cheers!

Nicolette