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A research points out that at least 50% of the parents sleep with their babies for at least part of the night. In many cultures like Indian, Japanese etc sleeping with baby is a norm. It is in the industrialized western countries that the trend of babies sleeping separate from their parents began. This had more to do with the assumption that co-sleeping with babies inhibits independence in them when they grow up. Of course, there was no scientific basis to prove this and in fact, modern research proves just the contrary.
Benefits of sleeping with baby
Research points out that those children who sleep with their parents as babies, perform better in school, have higher self-esteem and fewer health problems when they grow up. This is so because they are more secure that their needs will be met.
When a baby is left alone to cry himself to sleep, the level of cortisol a stress hormone gets elevated. This makes babies more susceptible to stress disorders and other psychological illnesses.
Some studies also point out that co-sleeping with baby reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Japan has the lowest number of SIDS cases.
Furthermore, sleeping with baby is good for parent-child bonding. Working mothers get extra time to be close to their baby when they sleep with them. Parents can have a more secure and relaxed sleep if their baby sleeps on their bed or a crib nearby.
Sleeping with their baby’s encourages mothers to breastfeed longer this has shown to have great immunological benefits for the child.
Precautions while sleeping with baby
You must get firm bedding and spread tight fitting sheets on them. Also keep your baby away from any pillows or loose blankets. This will reduce the risk of baby feeling suffocated on your bed.
Don’t co-sleep with your baby if you or your partner has had alcohol, drugs or any medication that makes you sleep deeper. This will keep you more aware of the baby on your bed and prevent you from rolling on to your baby.
Dress the baby comfortably and put him to sleep on his back. Remove any jewelry or nightwear with drawstrings that can cause choking or strangulation.
Never co-sleep with your baby on a sofa.
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