Parents, especially new parents, know how hard it is to let their children out of their sight. And sometimes sharing a bed – "family sleeping" or "co-sleeping" – can be reassuring for both child and parent. But is it a good idea? There's a lot of debate.
Letting your kids sleep in your bed is a family decision: there's no firm science on whether it's good or bad, so long as the children outgrow it. But as with any issue, there are pros and cons to consider.
Related Blog: How to Help Your Baby to Fall Asleep so That You Get a Better Night's Sleep
Pros:
Co-sleeping increases peace of mind. You'll be there to know if your kids are having bad dreams, or feeling sick, or are simply unable to sleep. And young children take comfort from the presence of their parents.
With children who are still nursing, nighttime feedings are much more convenient, and don't require a trip across the house.
For babies, you can reduce or eliminate the need for baby monitors, and stop worrying that batteries might run out, or other issues.
Co-sleeping can help parents and children feel closer to each other.
Cons:
If you and your spouse regard your room as an intimate sanctuary, intrusions from children can feel unpleasant or even disappointing – not a feeling you want to nurture toward your kids!
The types of beds and bed dressings comfortable for you might not be comfortable for your kids. If you need a firm mattress for back comfort, for example, will your kids enjoy it as well?
If you toss and turn during the night, you might endanger very small children – or just annoy bigger kids.
Having your children sleep in their own room may increase their sense of autonomy and independence, and encourage them to face their fears of the dark or of being alone. This can increase their resilience, down the line.
Ultimately, the choice about whether or not letting your kids sleep in your bed is a good thing is yours. Do what you think is best for your family, and make sure you have the right bed setup to make everyone's sleep restful.
If you're in the market for a new bed – whether it's a king-size bed for the family or a new bed for a child's bedroom – contact Land of Sleep to get sleep solutions tailored to you!