At the time of bringing the new bundle of joy home mom is usually fairly rested because she had some help from the nursing staff at the hospital to take care of her baby and herself However, after she comes home, everything changes. In the past moms would put the baby in bed with them so she can get some rest. This is also called co-sleeping. Most parents stopped doing this for various reasons, but this practice is making a comeback. Now many moms are asking themselves, “Should we co-sleep?”

There are pros and cons to co-sleeping and have been discussed as well as debated for many years. Some doctors agree that co-sleeping is a great option for new mothers. Whereas others feel there is too much risk involved with parents sleeping with their children.

Here is some of each to consider when bringing your baby home.

Here are some statements from those in favor of co-sleeping:

• A breastfeeding mother need not wake completely to feed baby, therefore both are more rested.
• Breastfeeding on demand, even in the middle of the night, will help Mom maintain her milk supply.
• Co-sleeping babies don’t feel night-time separation anxiety as much as those who sleep in a bassinet or crib. If they wake up, Mom and Dad are right there.
• If you’re not planning on having another child right away, co-sleeping helps to prolong the time between children, both from breastfeeding and lack of privacy.
• Some experts have suggested that co-sleeping may help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome because the mother is more aware of the baby’s breathing.

There is also the other side of the debate here are some to not encouraging co-sleeping:

• Lack of privacy for the parents is one of the biggest reasons for not co-sleeping.
• Co-sleeping may be difficult to break when your child gets older.
• If either parent is a very heavy sleeper, they may roll over on the baby during the night and either injure or suffocate it.
• Some psychologists suggest that co-sleeping can cause psychological problems in the child.

This may not answer the question of Should you co-sleep with your baby?’ This question is ultimately up to you and your partner to decide, discuss it with each other and possibly your pediatrician for added input. Take time to discuss it openly and honestly to make the decision, talking about the pros and cons.

You can also start one way and decide later that it is not for you. Your baby will not be any worse for this. The great thing about baby is they are resilient and adapt to changes very well when they are small. Love and comfort is what is most important. When deciding if you should co-sleep think about what is best for you and your family, not what society thinks is right.

If your choosing to having your little bundle to sleep in the crib but having a hard time getting her to sleep there Baby Sleep Tonight offers a FREE! e-Guide! It helps you learn how to prepare your baby to sleep in a crib in his/her own room.