The Top 5 Benefits of Cosleeping (and How Long to Do It)
Cosleeping is the practice of sleeping in the same room or bed with your baby. It has been practiced in many cultures around the world for centuries, and has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are many benefits to cosleeping, both for parents and babies. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 5 benefits of cosleeping and how long you should do it for. So if you're looking for a way to bond with your baby and get more sleep, read on to learn more about the benefits of cosleeping!
1) closeness promotes bonding
Co-sleeping is the practice of sharing a bed with your child, and it is a great way to promote closeness and bonding with your little one. By sleeping in close proximity to your baby, you can easily attend to their needs and provide comfort and security throughout the night. You can also experience a level of closeness that you wouldn't get from sleeping in separate beds. Having your baby near you during sleep time allows for quick access when they cry or need comforting, meaning less time spent trying to console a distressed baby. It can also help keep your baby safe as you will be able to monitor their movements more easily. Furthermore, co-sleeping gives babies a sense of familiarity and trust in their parents, something that can last a lifetime.
2) breastfeeding is easier
Breastfeeding is a critical part of parenting, and cosleeping can make it easier. When you co-sleep, it's easier to breastfeed because you don't have to get out of bed in the middle of the night, or even leave your child's side. This means that you won’t be as exhausted when it’s time to feed your baby, which can be a big benefit for breastfeeding parents. Additionally, when your baby is in bed with you, you can easily latch them on and off during a feeding session. This can help to prevent pain and discomfort in your nipples, as well as making it easier to adjust the baby’s position if necessary. Co-sleeping also makes it easier to feed your baby when they are sleeping – something which can be very difficult to do when your baby is in a separate crib.
3) cosleeping helps babies sleep better
For parents who choose to cosleep with their babies, one of the main benefits is that it can help their babies sleep better. Cosleeping encourages the release of calming hormones, like oxytocin and prolactin, which can help babies feel more secure and relaxed and improve their overall sleep quality. Studies have also found that babies who sleep in close proximity to their parents are more likely to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer than those who sleep alone.
In addition, cosleeping reduces the number of night wakings, so parents can get more rest too. This is because when a baby is sleeping close to their parents they may be able to detect when they're beginning to wake up before they're fully alert, allowing them to easily soothe their child back to sleep before they reach a point of full wakefulness.
Finally, cosleeping can help babies learn healthy sleep habits that can last a lifetime. By learning how to fall asleep and stay asleep in the same environment as their parents, babies can become more independent sleepers over time, making bedtime easier for both them and their parents.
4) cosleeping can help prevent SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of death among babies under the age of one. While there is no definitive way to prevent it, research suggests that cosleeping can help reduce the risk of SIDS. Studies have found that when babies sleep in close proximity to their parents, the risk of SIDS is reduced by about half. This may be because the parent can monitor the baby’s breathing, as well as because the baby is comforted by the parent’s presence. Additionally, research shows that cosleeping is associated with less sudden infant death and more restful sleep.
Cosleeping should always be done safely, with a few precautions in mind. Babies should never sleep on a soft surface, and they should not share a bed with an adult who smokes or has been drinking alcohol. There should also be no pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other items near the baby’s face.
While there is no definitive way to prevent SIDS, cosleeping can help reduce the risk. If you do choose to cosleep, make sure to take the proper safety precautions to ensure that your baby is safe.
5) cosleeping can be beneficial for parents too
Cosleeping can be a great way for parents to get more rest. Being able to have your baby close can mean that you can respond to their needs quickly, reducing the need to wake up throughout the night. It can also mean that parents don’t have to worry about getting out of bed and going to the nursery every time the baby stirs. Additionally, it can help promote better sleep for both parents and baby as parents are more likely to stay in sync with their baby’s sleep cycles. Cosleeping can also help promote better mental health for both parents and baby, as it helps promote feelings of security and safety. Lastly, cosleeping is a great way for parents to bond with their baby and increase physical contact, which can help with emotional regulation.