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Every parent knows the struggle of fixing a sleep schedule for their child and ensuring that they stick to it. Usually, putting your kid to sleep at the end of the day can turn into quite an elaborate affair. Most children have night routines that involve baths, story time and forehead kisses. But although some parents are more than okay cuddling their kids to sleep, most of them don’t think it’s a good idea to lie down next to them or sleep in the same bed as them. Now, we understand that every family is different and every child has different needs. So even though co-sleeping might work for some of them, other children may find it hard to sleep without their parents being close by as they continue to grow up. However, other parents disagree as sleeping next to their kids has helped them create a closer bond with them. So, if you’re contemplating sleeping next to your child, here are a couple of reasons why it might be a good idea. Read on to know more!
1. It’s A Moment Of Calm After A Long Crazy Day
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Cuddling and sharing sleep time with your baby can be beneficial for both you and your child, especially after a long, hectic day. Life with toddlers is a perpetual whirlwind, and you’re always on the go. If they’re very young, your day may revolve around playtime, soothing their tears, diaper changes, and meal preparation. If they’re older, it involves preparing breakfast, school drop-offs, and afternoon pick-ups. It’s easy to get consumed by the seemingly endless to-do list, which can sometimes prevent you from truly savoring your time with your kids. As they grow, you’ll find yourself having to share their attention with friends and their busy schedules, which often come with short attention spans. So, at the end of a busy day, all you might crave is to relax. Why not do so with your toddler, who seeks your warmth and affection? This way, the whole family can hit the pause button and unwind together for a while.
2. It Can Improve Your Child’s Mental Health
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According to Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor specializing in psychological and brain sciences, attachment parenting, which involves lying down and sharing sleep with your child, can have a positive impact on their physical and psychological well-being (1). Regularly hugging your baby and co-sleeping can lead to fewer bouts of crying and foster a stronger sense of connection and empathy towards others in their adult life. A 2010 study further demonstrated that co-sleeping can reduce stress, influencing both brain development and future stress responses (2). This might be an opportune moment to reconsider your perspective on co-sleeping.
3. It’s An Opportunity To Bond With Your Baby
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The moments when you snuggle up with your baby to help them drift off to sleep are serene, tranquil, and in a way, almost sacred. These are precious opportunities to strengthen your bond with your child. It’s when you can take the time to read a book, have meaningful conversations, or let your child share their experiences from school. These moments allow for discussions about preferences, plans for the weekend, and even the opportunity for your child to confide their fears and concerns. It’s during these moments that you can provide comfort and feel a deeper connection with your child. All of these interactions contribute to building a more profound parent-child relationship. Plus, cuddle time is truly delightful! There’s nothing more gratifying than snuggling with your baby right before bedtime. What makes it even sweeter is not having to disentangle them from your embrace to put them to bed, and the added benefit of not risking waking them up. It’s a true win-win situation!
4. It Makes Life So Much Easier If You’re Dealing With A Baby
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Babies require an abundance of love, care, and undivided attention. Sleeping alongside them can offer a solution that allows you to provide this care efficiently while still managing midnight diaper changes and feedings, and even getting some much-needed rest. In essence, it can be the answer to your challenges. No more will you be startled awake, wondering if the baby monitor is signaling distress or if it’s merely unwarranted concern. This approach can lead to sound, uninterrupted sleep.
Bonding with your little one may not be as easy as it seems. As they grow up, their social circle expands and so does your list of chores in order to keep both their life and yours on track. So it may be time to improvise and consider sleeping next to your child in order to feel close to them once again. Happy parenting!
