Your child wakes up at night and 'cosily' slips into bed with you.
For many parents, this will be a very familiar scenario. Some find it no problem at all even snug and enjoyable. Others, however, find themselves wondering if it’s time their child started sleeping in their own bed. But what is the "right" thing to do? There isn't actually one single correct answer. Worldwide, opinions on co-sleeping are widely divided.
The Disadvantages of Sleeping with Your Child
Potential risks are, of course, highly dependent on your child’s age. For children aged 2 and up, "danger" is usually no longer a factor in the traditional sense. Therefore, the following is specifically based on sleeping with a baby. One of the primary risks is that co-sleeping with an infant can lead to suffocation. An adult bed is simply not designed for a baby. The soft mattress and large pillows can cause a baby to become trapped or wedged, which can have the most devastating consequences.
There is nothing as vital to human health as a good night's sleep. This applies to everyone, but even more so for a young parent. Your days are filled with bottles, diapers, feedings, first steps, constant supervision, and being "on." For many, it is a beautiful time, but also one that drains a lot of energy. When you let your child sleep in their own bed, you finally have the time to recover from the day and recharge for the next one.
The Benefits
Many parents view co-sleeping as a powerful way to strengthen the bond with their child. Both father and mother are close to the baby, allowing them to hear, smell, and see the infant constantly. By spending so much time together, you quickly learn to recognize what your baby needs. Research also suggests that children who sleep with their parents may develop a healthier relationship with intimacy later in life.
Beyond promoting attachment, it’s also highly practical. Women who breastfeed often find it much easier to do so from bed, allowing for a relaxed position. Furthermore, they can place the baby right next to them in a co-sleeper, for example, allowing both to fall back asleep quickly.
So, What’s the Best Approach?
As mentioned, opinions on this topic vary significantly. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you. Do you feel like co-sleeping is causing you to fall short on your own rest? Or do you worry your child can't sleep without you? Then it might be time to start working on independent sleeping. Not only can this improve your own night's rest, but it can also help your child learn to self-soothe during the night.
A key factor in this transition is, of course, having the right sleep equipment. When a child has a comfortable, inviting bed, they are much less likely to wake up and wander.
What Best Suits Your Child's Sleep Needs?
We have given this a lot of thought. Children are generally very active, even in their sleep. Because of this, they tend to overheat quickly and can often become clammy. When they lie on or under bedding that cannot properly regulate temperature, it can cause them to wake up more frequently. At Weids Living & Sleeping, we’ve found that a bamboo duvet works exceptionally well for children. This duvet is 100% natural, temperature-regulating, and absorbs 40% more moisture than cotton. Another huge plus: bamboo duvets are machine washable! Many parents have already made the switch:
“Since my little one started sleeping under this duvet, he doesn't wake up clammy at all anymore.”
“My daughter used to wake up frequently at night, feeling hot and sweaty. With this bamboo duvet, that’s a thing of the past. And when she had a little accident recently? It was just a matter of running a quick wash, and everything was fresh again. So convenient!
