General
The science behind sleeping close to your baby benefiting you both.
When I talk to mothers who chose co-sleeping in a safe environment, they always tell me that they never really felt sleep deprived.
This made me curious and let me do some research. In this article you will find the results!
Welcoming a newborn into the family is a joyous occasion, but it often comes with the challenge of sleep deprivation for parents. As many new parents will attest, sleepless nights become a common occurrence. However, there is a solution that can provide comfort, closeness, and better sleep for both, infants and their caregivers: co-sleeping or sleeping in close proximity.
Co-sleeping is what humans always have done and which is still practiced in most parts of the world.
In Japan, the SIDS rate was always amongst the lowest. Let’s stay curious how this will change in the future after introducing American practices of sleeping separately to this country.
Only in the advanced countries in the west it became normal to put baby in a separate room. First, this came from the church out of times where poor people slept crammed in a room with many adults and children. The sleep environment was not safe and infants were given alcohol and drugs to sleep better. By intervening and making infants sleep separated, at least overlaying was reduced. Later, it was also advertised as a method to help baby gaining independence (and helping fathers getting their wives back for themselves when women had to carry out their marital duties). A contradiction in terms. Nothing is more dependent than a newborn human infant. And this can’t be changed because it’s just a biological fact.
Also, co-sleeping was associated with higher risks of the baby dying. Which is true in some point because co-sleeping wasn’t done safely.
However, since babies are biologically very dependent on adults, they settle best when in close proximity. Most families end up with their infant in their bed even though this was never planned. It seems to be the only way to get a rest.
We will explore why this is the case and how to settle your baby safely in your bed or attached to your bed!
Also, co-sleeping, or baby being in a balcony bed attached to the parent’s bed, help the mother to really sleep better in many cases. But why?
Understanding the Sleep Cycles of Newborns:
To comprehend the benefits of co-sleeping, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental differences between the sleep cycles of newborns and adults. Newborns have shorter sleep cycles that alternate between light sleep and active sleep, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. These cycles can last anywhere from 50 to 60 minutes, compared to the 90-minute sleep cycles of adults. Consequently, newborns often wake up more frequently throughout the night.
This also means that the newborn might wake you up to feed when you are in your deep sleep phase. Ending the deep sleep phases without interruptions are essential for feeling rested after waking up.
Necessarily, your newborn will interrupt your sleep and you will feel sleep deprived.
Necessarily?
Adaptation of Mother's Sleep Cycles:
One of the advantages of co-sleeping is that the sleep cycles of mothers tend to adapt to those of their newborns. When sleeping in close proximity, mothers naturally become more attuned to their baby’s sleep patterns, awakening during the light sleep phases that occur between the baby’s sleep cycles. This synchronization allows mothers to quickly respond to their baby’s needs, such as feeding, changing diapers, or providing comfort, before the baby fully awakens. By intervening early on, parents can often help their infants settle back to sleep more easily, minimizing disruptions and promoting a more restful night for everyone.
You will more likely be able to finish your deep sleep phase and feel more rested in the morning.
Following this, you can also see that Sleep Training isn‘t necessary in many cases to get more and better sleep. When not separating your baby into a different room, your baby will probably not cry herself in rage during the night, which makes it easier and faster to settle her back to sleep. Having her very close will also help synchronizing your sleep and she will wake you in your light sleep phases.
When bed sharing others moms often even report that they never fully wake while breastfeeding, as isn’t the baby. This is called breastsleeping.
When baby separating to a different room too early, it seems necessary and useful to do sleep training. And there is also still the wish for independence of the own child. Let’s have a look what sleep training may do to your child.
Disadvantages of Sleep Training:
Sleep training, which often involve methods to encourage independent sleep in infants, has not lost popularity since it was spread in the developed countries. However, it is important to note that these methods are not recommended for newborns. Sleep training, specifically involving leaving a child alone to sleep, can have negative effects, particularly for newborns. Some potential negative consequences include heightened stress levels and increased crying or distress for the child. This method may disrupt the establishment of a secure parent-child attachment and hinder the development of trust and emotional bonding. Sleep training can also potentially interfere with the baby’s natural sleep-wake cycles and disrupt their overall sleep patterns. It is important to be mindful of the potential negative impacts and consider alternative approaches that prioritize the child’s well-being and individual needs.
Some adults who were sleep trained as infants have reported experiencing long-lasting effects on their mental well-being and social interactions. They may express feelings of anxiety, difficulty with emotional regulation, and challenges with forming intimate relationships. For some individuals, the experience of being left alone to sleep at a young age may have contributed to a sense of abandonment or insecurity. While not everyone may experience these negative effects, it is important to recognize that sleep training can have lasting implications for certain individuals, and their perspectives should be taken into account when considering sleep training.
What else to do if not bed sharing?
Some solutions may be Bedside Cribs and Same-Room Sleeping:
If co-sleeping in the same bed is not preferred or not feasible, there are alternative options that still promote closeness and safe sleeping. Bedside cribs, also known as co-sleepers, are specially designed cribs that attach securely to the parent’s bed. These cribs provide a separate sleeping space for the baby while maintaining proximity and accessibility for breastfeeding and comforting. Another viable option is to have a baby bed in the same room as the parents, ensuring that the infant is within arm’s reach throughout the night. This is also recommended by all healthcare professionals in developed countries since research found out that baby sleeping in the same room reduces the risk for Sudden Infant Death.
When doing Co-Sleeping in the same bed, it is VERY important to follow the safety guidelines.
Guidelines for Safe Co-Sleeping:
It is essential to prioritize the safety of both the newborn and the parents when practicing co-sleeping. By following these guidelines, you can create a secure sleeping environment for your baby:
- Always ensure a firm and flat surface for sleeping, such as a firm mattress without any pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys that may pose suffocation risks.
- Avoid co-sleeping if either parent smokes, has consumed alcohol or drugs, or is excessively tired, as these factors can impair alertness and responsiveness. This also includes medication that makes you sleepy!
- Position the baby beside the breastfeeding mother, as breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Use a specially designed bed-sharing device that creates a separate sleep surface for the baby, reducing the risk of accidental suffocation or overlay. (option)
- Dress the baby appropriately for sleep, avoiding overheating and ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Stay vigilant and aware of the baby's movements and position throughout the night to prevent any potential hazards. If you feel that you or anyone sleeping next to the baby is not sensitive about the presence of the baby, it is better to place the baby in his own safe sleep space.
- Don’t let siblings or pets sleep next to the baby.
- Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or an armchair (for example while feeding your baby at night). It increases the SIDS risk of about 50%. Better feed on a prepared safe surface.
- If anyone of you have long hair, make sure to tie it up in a safe bun to avoid that baby strangles herself in your hair.
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/07/Co-sleeping-and-SIDS-A-Guide-for-Health-Professionals.pdf
Some very nice figures inside.
50% of SIDS in the UK happened in a crib. 50% while co-sleeping. Of this 50%, 90% happend in a not safe co-sleeping environment. Do the maths!
SIDS can happen everywhere. In a safe separate sleeping space, while co-sleeping, or in the baby carrier.
However, a UK study found out that of all the SIDS cases while co-sleeping, 90% could have been prevented when following all safety guidelines. The remaining 10% couldn’t be explained. Only do co-sleeping when you can assure that if SIDS happen to your family while co-sleeping in a safe environment it will not lead to blaming yourself or your spouse. SIDS happens and can’t always prevented!
Conclusion:
Co-sleeping with a newborn provides numerous benefits, both in terms of fostering a strong parent-child bond and ensuring better sleep for everyone involved. By understanding the sleep cycles of newborns and adapting to their needs, parents can minimize sleep disruptions and increase their responsiveness during the night. While co-sleeping is not the only solution, options such as bedside cribs or having a baby bed in the same room can also promote safe and secure sleeping arrangements. Remember to prioritize the safety guidelines to create a nurturing and comfortable environment for your little one.
Consulting with holistic sleep coaches can provide valuable guidance in finding the most appropriate sleep solutions for your whole family. This includes your partner and older siblings. Because healthy sleep isn’t about the newborn and mother alone😉
I am partnering with a holistic sleep coach based in Australia (good for the time difference!).
She can help you finding the right solution for your family! Be it co-sleeping, room sharing, or transition to your child’s own room!
Bedtime Snories
Design: Grey
Design: Grey
