Co-sleeping is simply the modern term used to describe a parent sharing a family bed with their baby or young child. Co-sleeping is currently, and historically has been, practiced around the world . . . encouraging bonding, security and better sleep for both parents and children. Though many understand the benefits of co-sleeping and embrace this healthy, beneficial practice, many still have questions which we hope this FAQ will answer.

Questions

• Does co-sleeping actually encourage bonding between parent and child?
• Why is co-sleeping especially good for breast feeding mums?
• Why is co-sleeping especially good for mums recovering from a caesarean section?
• Does co-sleeping have any effect on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?
• Can a Co-Sleeper® be used for twins?
• Who should co-sleep?
• What are the dangers of/downsides to co-sleeping?
• Conclusions?
• I still have some questions. Is there anyone I can talk to?
• How do I get a Co-Sleeper®?

Does co-sleeping actually encourage bonding between parent and child?

Yes! After nine long months in the warm, comfortable and secure womb, it is quite a startling jump for baby to be banished to a distant nursery. The sight, smell, sounds, and touch of parents are very important to baby's sense of well being, especially in the first months.

Why is co-sleeping especially good for breast feeding mums?

Mums who have breast fed can tell you that the first months and, especially, the first weeks, can be an exercise in utter sleep deprivation. Infants can feed up to every 1½ hours, round the clock, and though they can nap most of the day, mums often can't, nor can they pass the task of feeding off to the father. So, making breastfeeding as easy and efficient as possible claws back precious minutes than can make a world of difference to an exhausted mum.

When your baby is right next to you, you can easily draw your baby to you, just as they are rousing, but before they become upset or agitated. You can then feed in quiet and dim surroundings, which can help your baby drift quickly back to sleep. And you simply need to lie back down and go back to sleep yourself! Limiting distractions and disruptions at night can help your baby begin to develop healthy day and night sleep patterns.

Furthermore, when your baby is in such close proximity to you, the cries and hungry sounds they make, as well as the mere sight of them, can help your milk flow freely. This can help to establish a strong and healthy milk production.

Why is co-sleeping especially good for mums recovering from a caesarean section?

A c-section, no matter how you look at it, is hard on the body. It may be routine and relatively safe in today's world, but it is still major surgery . . . and it can take a long time to fully recover from. If you are located far from your baby (and even a short hall seems a long distance when you are in pain!), it makes it more difficult to properly care for your baby. Either you are slow to respond to your baby's needs, or someone else goes in your place, so you can rest. This is emotionally difficult for new mums who just want to get on with caring for their precious babies.

With an Arm's Reach® Co-Sleeper®, your baby is right next to you, in their own safe, dedicated space, but within easy reach. All you have to do is draw them to you to comfort, care for, feed, sooth, or simply admire. And when they are sleeping, all you have to do is return them to their own bed. No repeated trips down the hall, no repeated, unnecessary strains on your abdominal muscles each time you have to get out of bed. You get the rest you need to recover, but you don't miss any part of caring for your baby.

Does co-sleeping have any effect on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?

Actually, it appears so! Studies have discovered that in cultures where co-sleeping is a common practice, SIDS rates are at their lowest. Conversely, where co-sleeping is least likely, the rate of SIDS is highest. These two facts have led researchers to suggest a strong link between co-sleeping and lower risk of SIDS.

Why? Evidence suggests that some babies may have abnormal sleep patterns, or sleep apnoea, in which, during an unusually deep sleep, they forget to breathe. Co-sleeping may help address this problem via two paths. One is simply that, if a parent is nearby, any disturbances or problems with breathing are more likely to be noticed. Furthermore, evidence also suggests that babies may regulate themselves to the parent's breathing patterns, so simply being close by may also help reduce your baby's SIDS risk.

BabyReference.com states that "The numbers in the largest study on co-sleeping around the world suggest that safe co-sleeping reduces SIDS!" Interestingly, the same site notes that "The Chicago Infant Mortality Study reveals that Breastfeeding Infants have 1/5th the Rate of SIDS." So, co-sleeping AND breast feeding together may go a long way to reducing your baby's risk of SIDS!

There are many other things which will actually increase your SIDS risk, however, including smoking, putting your baby on his tummy to sleep, overly warm bedding, etc. Educating yourself about risk factors will help reduce the likelihood that this devastating syndrome will affect your family.

Can a Co-Sleeper® be used for twins?

Yes! Though the Arm's Reach® Universal Co-Sleeper® is an efficient use of space in many ways, it is certainly not tiny. Twins can comfortably fit together in the Co-Sleeper® . . . and have plenty of room to wiggle!

Who should co-sleep?

• Nearly all parents and babies can benefit from the better sleep and increased bonding that occurs when co-sleeping is safely practiced.
• However, it is especially helpful for those who plan to breastfeed:
  • When baby is within arm's reach, night feedings are calmer and much more efficient, which means less sleep interruptions for mum! If you have ever cared for a young infant, who can feed up to every 1½ hours, you will appreciate the few minutes, not to mention the energy, saved by not needing to get yourself out of bed and pad down the hall and back again each time a feed or change is required. This is especially appealing in the winter months-you don't even have to leave your cosy bed to attend to your baby!
• Those who are planning, or who end up needing, a caesarean section also benefit greatly from co-sleeping:
  • Recovering from major abdominal surgery is tough enough without having to constantly leave your bed to attend to the frequent night feedings and nappie changes newborns require. If your baby is right next to you, you can feed, comfort, change, or sooth without leaving your bed or straining your body. This eases recovery and makes for a much more comfortable and pleasant experience with your baby.
• Those with limited amount of space.
  • Not only does the Arm's Reach® Co-Sleeper® save money, it also is great for those who either don't have a dedicated nursery space, or who don't have a lot of storage space for accessories. Its compact design and multiple uses make it perfect for those whose budget or square footage are limited.

What are the dangers of/downsides to co-sleeping?

There are a few common concerns about the practice of co-sleeping. One is that, when a parent and baby share a bed, the parent might roll over onto the baby, crushing or suffocating it. Another is that co-sleeping might increase the risk of SIDS. And lastly, some fear that co-sleeping might create a 'clingy,' demanding child. All three of these concerns are easily addressed by the Arm's Reach® Co-Sleeper®:

First, by placing baby in his own dedicated sleeping space, attached securely to the parent's bed, you create a safer environment for baby . . . because the Co-Sleeper® has an added safety lip along the open edge of the cot, baby cannot roll out and into the parent's bed.

Second, as already mentioned above, SIDS risks actually appear reduced when you co-sleep in general. However, if you co-sleep using an Arm's Reach® Co-Sleeper®, these risks are even further reduced as the baby is in its own space but still only an arm's reach away.

And, lastly, there is no evidence at all that co-sleeping will create a clingy, demanding child. On the contrary, evidence suggests that early bonding and feelings of security may actually increase confidence levels . . . possibly leading to happier, less demanding children!

Conclusions?

Safely practiced co-sleeping is bonding, convenient, and good for mum and baby. Even better, using an Arm's Reach® Co-Sleeper® can address many of the real and perceived risks of co-sleeping while reaping all of the many, many benefits.

I still have some questions. Is there anyone I can talk to?

Absolutely. We'd be happy to help if we can. Email us at info@cosleeping.co.uk with any of your questions and your contact information, and we will be happy to call or email you back.

How do I get a Co-Sleeper®?

Order Here.