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10 Pros & Cons to Co-Sleeping with Your Child

Modified on May 3, 2023 at 3:22 PM

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Are you considering co-sleeping with your child but unsure if it’s the right choice for your family? Co-sleeping has been a long-standing practice in many cultures. It involves parents and children sharing the same bed or sleeping in close proximity. While some argue it strengthens the bond between parent and child, others caution against potential safety risks. It’s essential to understand both sides before making a decision on whether or not co-sleeping is right for your family.

We’ll explore ten pros and cons of co-sleeping to help you make an informed decision. First, we’ll delve into the benefits and drawbacks of sharing a bed with your little one, from improved bonding and easier breastfeeding to concerns about safety and sleep quality. We’ll also touch on practical tips for creating a safe sleeping environment, such as investing in large enough mattresses and removing potential hazards from the bed. So, let’s dive in!

Pros of Co-Sleeping

1) Bonding Time

One of the most significant benefits of co-sleeping with your child is its increased bonding opportunities. When your little one is right beside you, you have more chances to cuddle, talk and connect on a deeper level than you might during waking hours. This can be especially beneficial for working parents who may not get as much time with their children during the day.

2) Better Sleep for Everyone

While many parents worry that co-sleeping will lead to a lack of sleep for everyone involved, the truth is that it can result in better sleep for both parent and child. When your little one is beside you, you can easily monitor their breathing, temperature and well-being throughout the night. This can provide peace of mind and help you feel more relaxed, leading to better quality sleep.

3) Promotes Breastfeeding

Co-sleeping can be a great way to promote breastfeeding, especially for mothers needing to nurse throughout the night. This is great since there are many scientifically supported benefits of breastfeeding. With your baby beside you, you can quickly respond to their needs without getting up and moving around too much. This means less disruption to your sleep overall and a smoother transition back to sleep after feedings. Additionally, co-sleeping makes it easier for you to breastfeed in positions that are comfortable for both you and your baby.

4) Sense of Security

One of the biggest benefits of co-sleeping is the sense of security and comfort it can provide for both parent and child. When your little one is right beside you, they can feel safe and protected, making them more relaxed and less prone to waking up in the middle of the night. Additionally, being close to your baby can help you feel more connected to them, which can be especially important during those early months when bonding is so crucial.

5) Observing Cultural Norms

Co-sleeping with your child is a practice that has been around for centuries and is still widely embraced in many cultures worldwide. In countries such as Japan, Sweden and Egypt, co-sleeping is the norm rather than the exception. It’s seen as a way to foster closeness and connection between parent and child while also providing a sense of security and comfort for everyone involved. 

Some may feel pressure to abandon these cultural norms when living in a country where co-sleeping isn’t as widely accepted, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Understanding and respecting these age-old customs allows you to experience all the benefits of co-sleeping without feeling like a fish out of water. 

Source: SeventyFour/Shutterstock.com

Cons of Co-Sleeping

6) Risk of SIDS

One of the parents’ most significant concerns regarding co-sleeping is the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies have shown an increased risk of SIDS for infants who sleep in the same bed as their parents, particularly if certain safety guidelines are not followed. That being said, it’s important to note that this risk can be nearly eliminated with proper precautions. Statistically, the risk is very low. However, it’s still important to be aware of the potential dangers, especially if you are overweight or someone else sleeps in the bed that drinks alcohol or does drugs. 

7) Disrupted Sleep for Parents

One of the most common concerns parents have when it comes to co-sleeping is the potential for disrupted sleep. Sharing a bed with your child can lead to more interrupted sleep, as children may move around throughout the night. Additionally, if your child wakes up frequently during the night, you’re more likely to be disturbed as well. However there are many parents that find both them and their child sleep BETTER together as parents don’t need to get up and out of the bed for night feedings, etc.

8) Dependency Issues

One often-cited potential drawback of co-sleeping is the possibility of dependency issues developing over time. When children become accustomed to sleeping in the same bed as their parents, they may have difficulty transitioning to sleeping independently in their own room. Parents are often afraid of potential long-term dependency issues, but this usually isn’t an issue as much as people might think.

9) Lack of Privacy

Another potential downside to co-sleeping is the lack of privacy it can create for parents. When your child sleeps in your bed, finding time and space for intimacy with your partner can be difficult. This can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment or even strain on the relationship over time. It can manifest as resentment toward both your partner and child, so it’s crucial to be aware of this possibility and make time to be intimate with each other in more unconventional ways. (You don’t HAVE to do it in the bedroom!)

10) Safety Concerns

One of the most pressing concerns when it comes to co-sleeping is safety. Parents need to be aware of many potential hazards, including the risk of their child falling out of bed. These risks can be especially concerning for infants and young children, who may not have the motor skills or awareness to avoid huge, heavy blankets on their face or where the edge of the bed is. It’s best to use some sort of barrier on the bed to prevent the child from falling off. We prefer foam bed bumpers that go under the sheets. When our children are newborns, we usually have a sidecar sleeper or co-sleeper bed attached to the side of the bed to further decrease safety concerns.

master bedroom

How To Make Co-Sleeping Work

If you’re considering co-sleeping with your child, it’s important to be aware of the potential pros and cons we’ve mentioned — but it’s equally important to know how to make it work for your family. So here are a few tips and pieces of advice to help you get started.

First and foremost, investing in high-quality queen-size mattresses can be a game-changer when it comes to co-sleeping. Not only will this give you and your child more space to spread out, but it can also help minimize disruptions if one of you tends to toss and turn during the night. Additionally, consider bedding comforters that are lightweight and breathable — this can help prevent overheating, which can be a concern when co-sleeping.

Source: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

Another key aspect of making co-sleeping work is establishing clear boundaries and routines. For example, consider setting aside specific times or spaces for alone time with your partner so that you don’t feel like your entire bed is being taken over by children’s toys or stuffed animals. Also, establishing a consistent bedtime routine (such as reading books or singing songs) can help signal your child that it’s time for sleep. This can be especially helpful if they tend to struggle with falling asleep on their own.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, making co-sleeping work will depend on finding what works best for your family dynamic and following these co-sleeping rules. So keep an open mind, be willing to adjust as needed and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professionals (such as pediatricians or sleep consultants) if you’re struggling with any particular aspects of co-sleeping. And if you ultimately decide that the cons outweigh the pros for your family, there’s no shame in transitioning to a different sleeping arrangement. Every family is unique — so do what works best for yours!

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on May 3, 2023 at 3:22 PM
Filed Under: Baby Gear, Parenting
Tagged With: bed sharing, co-sleeping, cosleeper, cosleeping, cosleeping bed, cosleeping beds, Parenting, parenting advice, parenting tips

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

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I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

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Considering he was my 6th child, it's possible he would have been here by now. It’s been extra hard for me this week. 

Despite my best efforts to be strong and stay positive, I am completely brokenhearted. I’m just being honest. I could pretend I’m fine, but that doesn't do me or anyone else any good to be dishonest about the pain of miscarriage or the grief that comes with losing a child. 

My heart is completely shattered from having an empty womb and an empty nursery. An empty bassinet in the corner and unused tiny newborn outfits, all washed, folded, and ready… for nothing. 

It makes me physically sick to my stomach when I think about it all and I can't even fathom how I got here. How did I get here? 

This isn't how it's supposed to be! I should be holding a newborn right now! It’s so unfair. 

In an instant, my baby was gone and there was nothing I could do to change that. 

It doesn't matter how much time passes or what else happens in life, I will always miss him. My heart with always long for my baby. 

Those who haven't experienced loss tell you that "Don’t worry! Things will get better, just focus on the positive!" but people who actually know this grief and what it actually feels like to lose a baby, won’t tell you that. They know this hard road. They understand that unfortunately you don't just “get over it.” 

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It is unpredictable.
It is unforgiving.
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And it completely shatters you when you don’t expect it. 

You don’t get over it. You don’t forget. You simply learn to live with it. And I’m learning to live with it every day. 

It’s been 137 days I’ve had to live without my baby. 

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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