Should you co- sleep with your baby or not?

Should you co- sleep with your baby or not?

A hot question of concern to all new moms or the first time moms and even women who have had their second child.

What’s your opinion on this matter?

Okay, all of you who are reading are in some way or the other connected to motherhood.

A time to love your baby, and at the same time- we doubt whether we may overdo this love showered parenting. We are all in the same boat!

This is why I thought maybe I could discuss with a few mothers here.

How do you manage putting your baby to sleep?

Now, there are those days, I cannot just come to open my eyes until my lil gal sleeps off.
Seriously, a small toddler could test your patience to the max! But still, as a mother, or grandparent, and perhaps certain nannies- that small gurgle from that baby is all it takes to melt our hearts away.

My experience with Babies

From a very young age, I have been dealing with a lot of kids. I belonged to a large family, where my father and his sisters and their families lived under one piece of land. Yes, its not under one roof, but we all had small houses in the same plot.

My grand dad was kinda of strict and very particular that he wanted to see his children around him until he passes away. That said, my father and his sisters and of course – their partners, agreed to ensure that he was happy.

They had a huge farm and lie revolved around this plush area of trees, fruits, and animals of all sorts.

As cousins, we were 20 of us in total and you would find children of all ages streaming through our fields. So, baby sitting often landed in the hands of older children.

When I was younger I loved that work, because:

I did not have to open up my books or do the laundry.

I could get to eat small snacks that were prepared for these tiny tots.

Plus, play with their toys.

What I did not like:

Changing their nappies

Feeding time, coz that was a messy affair

Plus, their nap time

Coming back to their nap time, I used to sleep with them very often. But over the years, I began hearing a lot of myths about co- sleeping and wondered whether that was a right thing to do.

Now after so long, I have had my own kids and still I do sleep with them. At this point, you should understand the right way of co sleeping with new born babies.

New Born Babies

You have a one year toddler and that is taxing enough. So, you can imagine how much more difficult it is to look after a new born baby!

Of course, these new born babies don’t run around, or make a lot of sound, but they need a lot of care. From dressing, feeding, nappy change, keeping away from infections and even most importantly – giving them a good sleep time.

If they are not happy with their sleep, then that day is going to be hell for you!

Reasons why Co – Sleeping is not encouraged

Dangerous

Co sleeping is always seen as a point where it could harm the baby. This I do not say no, as it does happen. Being a new mom is stressful, and to not sleep once you lie in bed- is sometimes not possible.

So, if the mom is a deep sleeper, you may not realize that your extra large hug could kill the child.

Short of breath

Main reason of this is shortness of breath. Yes, if the person who lies near the child falls or turns over onto the child- the baby could suffocate to death. The same is the case, if you pull a huge blanket over you and the baby gets locked under the covers.

Heat

Locked under the covers or may a bit tight hug could cause a lot of discomfort for the tiny baby. They could feel hot. Since they are too small to make sounds or push away from you- this could be sickening for the child.

Why I feel you should sleep with your baby?

Bonds well

You baby loves being with you. The more time you cling , the more affinity and relationship the baby gets with you. So, keep hugging, but not suffocating.

Security

Every child wants a feel that their parent is there for them. When a child goes to sleep in the dark, snuggle in together, make soothing sounds and see how fast they fall asleep.

Happiness

Yes, this is the most important point of all and that is exactly why I kept it to the last. Being with a loved one, or your bets friend makes you happy, isn’t it?

So, imagine how much happier a child would feel being with the person they trust and love the most! 

If you are the mother, then they love being with the voice they have been hearing for mothers. If you are the dad, then your warm cuddle is all they need to get sweet dreams and huge smiles on their face.

What’s your take on co- sleeping?

I would definitely recommend co sleeping, but think before choosing it. If you are a heavy person, you may want to avoid it.

If you are the one who sleeps deeply, then I would say refrain from using the same bed.

Habit of snoring? Then, maybe you need to forget the whole idea.

But, I understand- we are all parents at the end of the day, and love to see that cutie tot sleeping.
So, best and safe option is to place a crib right beside your bed, pat your baby, sing a lullaby and be with them the whole night- but not the same bed.