Many parents struggle with the decision of when and how to stop co-sleeping with their child. Although co-sleeping is a valid attachment technique and has been shown to help with night wakings, there are many benefits to separate sleeping arrangements. Read on to learn why co-sleeping is a good idea, and when you should stop. This decision will be a very personal one for you and your child.
Co-sleeping is a valid attachment tool
Though the concept of co-sleeping is not for every new parent, it is a valid attachment tool for some. While some parents actively choose to share their bed with their baby, many are sleep-deprived and reluctant to try it. Some parents may simply be too attached to their baby to co-sleep, while others may have a hard time imagining the idea. Whether you sleep with your child or not, you should give it a try.
In the event that you are not able to co-sleep with your child, the following scenario may occur: the separate sleeper wakes up in the middle of the night and is left out of your arms. When this happens, separation anxiety sets in. The baby becomes afraid of being away from you, and begins wailing in a loud, all-out wail. The long-distance mother staggers down the hall, grudgingly.
While co-sleeping may seem like a great way to bond with your child, it is not recommended for young infants. The risks of SIDs reduce with age, and it’s less important to co-sleep if you enjoy sleeping with your child. As your child grows older, however, you may want to transition him or her to his or her own bed.
It helps decrease night waking
You can stop co-sleeping with your child by giving him or her his or her own room. It may not be easy to do but will increase your family’s bonding and improve your night sleep. However, there are a few things you need to know before you give up this practice. Here are a few things you need to know before you stop co-sleeping.
Your baby may not be getting enough sleep. Often, a parent will need to stay up late to get his or her own sleep, or a toddler may want to cry. Regardless, you should make sure your baby is sleeping well in their own bed. You should also make sure to schedule nap times based on age and teach your child to self-settle.
A gradual approach will also help. With each night, gradually reduce the amount of help your child needs to fall asleep. You can also use alternatives to co-sleeping, such as patting your child to sleep instead of holding him. You can also start gradually transitioning your child from co-sleeping to a separate room. And, you should gradually move your child to sleep in his or her room when he or she is ready.
It is a valid attachment tool
Co-sleeping is perfectly acceptable, according to attachment parenting theory. This is because it respects the needs of the baby and responds to his/her requests. Co-sleeping helps parents bond with their children because they are there for them twenty-four hours a day. Co-sleeping also helps parents avoid the first tears of their children.
In attachment parenting, the baby and mother are always together and skin-to-skin. Mothers provide high levels of infant nurturing to their babies. While it can be challenging for a parent to stop co-sleeping with their child, a parent’s intuition should guide her. Co-sleeping has been proven to be beneficial for children. However, it is not appropriate for every child. If you are considering co-sleeping, consult with your doctor or pediatrician before doing so.