Sleeping together as a family, also called co-sleeping:
“Going to bed in the evening is something my husband and I are looking forward to each day! Not only because we can finally rest but also because we know we can lay down next to our peacefully sleeping daughter and kiss or cuddle her without her noticing. When she’s rolling to the side contentedly, I myself fall asleep easily, with my heart and thoughts full of love for this little human being…”
Usually, humas don’t like to sleep alone. During our life we’re searching for a partner and share bed as well as table. Why the hell, should we get a child together and put it in an own bed? The parents cuddle while the little baby might only get a cold music box by its side? How unfair is this?
Sure, there are many babies who fall asleep on their own quite well but most of them really need another human being to let go. Isn’t this totally understandable? And isn’t it great to know this baby isn’t missing any thing?
Co-sleeping is secure
Especially during the first months of a baby, the bedside cot is a great solution. The mother recognizes the signs of hunger immediately, also when the baby starts getting fidgety. Now she can soothe her baby or (breast)feed. After, often both fall asleep again simultaneously.
The need to get up and change the room in contrast, leads getting wide awake which makes it more difficult to fall asleep again.
If your baby is ill, you might also feel more secure having it right by your side, able to regularly check the temperature or not missing vomitting or squits.
The guidelines for a safe and secure co-sleeping include parents not being on medication or drunk, of course.
Here’s an interesting article concerning this topic.
Deutsch (German)
