Co-sleeping with your kids
The joys and woes of co-sleeping. The truth is, co-sleeping is great for some parents and not so much for others. In this article, I lay out all of the joys and some of the woes too.
I have learned to to do things that work for my family instead of what I think i’m supposed to be doing or what is “socially acceptable”.
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For me it started out as a necessity. When my youngest was born I needed him close to me to eat every few hours and it was the only way I was able to get any sleep. Truth be told, a night of no sleep made me a bad mom and a not so nice person, So whatever I needed to do to sleep was always the answer.
My daughter on the other hand has been sleeping in her own bed independently since she was 18 months old. Yet, somewhere along this journey I have ended up with both of these kids back in our bed!
My husband travels for work more often than not, so when I’m alone with the kids it’s just so easy to get in bed and watch a family movie together. However it’s a terrible habit that we are now trying to rid since I am ready for my own space!
The joys and woes of co-sleeping
The joys of co-sleeping
Co-sleeping actually has a lot of benefits.
1.According to sleep researcher James McKenna, co-sleeping increases the chances that a parent can successfully intervene to help prevent a death, whether that is due to a physiological condition or to a physical accident. He reminds parents that “co-sleeping gives the parent the best opportunity to hear the baby in crisis and to respond.” He adds that “since protection from SIDS may be related to the frequency and duration of breastfeeding, and because babies breastfeed more when co-sleeping, this practice may help to protect some breastfeeding infants.”
2. You can feed your babe without waking up and totally disturbing your much needed sleep.
3. They are honestly only little for such a short time in your life. Cuddle them enjoy them, bond with them. It goes by WAY too fast. Some people told me once you let them in your bed they will never leave. However it was fairly easy to get my daughter transitioned to her own bed and I know that my son will transition easily too! I am just the one who needs to out the work in.
4. I have read numerous articles that say it actually makes your kids more secure and independent, When they feel safe and loved at home it gives them the courage to be strong and independent when your not there.
5. I love Dr. Sears take on co-sleeping and you can read his story here.
Don’t forget to read up on Baby Guidelines for co-sleeping to make sure you guys are safe.
The woes
For the joys, and all the cuddles it’s not always easy nor is it always comfortable! And I guarantee any mama knows what it’s like having a toddler in your bed taking up all of your space and kicking you in the side.
1. Sleeping with kids in your makes for a long un-rested night!
2. You don’t get anytime for yourself before you go to bed. Something every mama needs and deserves.
3. It’s not great on your relationship, if you know what I mean 🙂
4. If you are an early riser like myself, you can’t enjoy my own bedroom in the morning because you will have sleeping kids in your bed.
Now, I don’t have all of the answers for you, and wether you should co-sleep or not is totally up to you! But I do have a temporary solution for you if you have a little one in your bed!
The joys and woes of co-sleeping
Is it time to get a sleeper for your newborn? Are you trying to decide which sleeper style is best?
You’re not alone! One of the many decisions new parents must face is choosing what to lay their newborn down in for the night. Check out this article from @momlovesbest for her best advise on the subject.
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