Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy

            When a woman becomes pregnant she receives a tremendous amount of advice on the dos and don’ts of parenting. One of the most common discussions among parents is whether to allow your child to sleep with you at night, or have them sleep alone in their own bed. There are several parents who disapprove of cosleeping. Many people feel that it will have a more negative effect on a child, than positive. According to the:“Natural Parents Network”, there is evidence proving that cosleeping, also known as “sharing sleep” or “family bed”, is actually a positive thing.  The co-founder: Dionna, of the “Natural Parents Network” and author of “Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy,” has compiled a list of five reasons why parents should consider allowing their child to sleep with them past infancy.  Dionna’s five reasons are: Cosleeping Can Further Both Trust and Independence,  Parents Are the Ultimate Security Blankets, Cosleeping Can Have Positive Effects on Self-Esteem and Family Closeness, Children Who Cosleep May Be Easier to Get Along With and Better Adjusted Than Their Solo Sleeping Peers, and Everyone Sleeps Better. Dionna exploration on the subject of cosleeping, has provided her readers with scientific evidence; proving that cosleeping can be more beneficial for a child than harmful.  

Finally! There is research validating what I've been saying for over twenty five years now, that "Children who share a bed with their parents will grow up more secure and independent." When I read the article: “Five Benefits to Cosleeping Past Infancy,” I was elated that there was research that provided factual evidence on the subject concerning the effects of cosleeping. Many parents will still warn against it, saying that it’s the worst thing you could do for your child; but now you can let them know that studies have shown that the children who slept in their parent’s beds were more likely to acquire a sense of autonomy; than those who slept in their own beds.

 Statistic’s shows that 96% of children who sleep alone from the ages of one to seven, need some form of security such as; a blanket, pacifier, toy, and/or even sucking on their thumb.  While the children who are cosleeping with their parents feel safe because they know that they're within arm reach of them. I believe that having your child within an arm's reach is comforting for the mothers and fathers as well.

  In recent studies that compared cosleepers with solo sleepers have found that the children who slept alone were more prone to develop social and emotional problems, than those who cosleep with their family.  The children who shared a bed with their loved ones showed that they were more independent, secure and have formed long-lasting relationship with their parents. I feel that the article is accurate with their comparison. Working with preschoolers you can definitely tell the difference between those who sleep alone to those who sleep with their parents. I can see a difference in their confidence, independence, and their ability to problem solve. The kids who sleep with their parents possess more social skills than those who sleep alone.
            I wish this article was around in 1989; when we had our first son So many people criticized my husband and I, for allowing our son to sleep with us. This article helped shed some light on a subject that was once considered, taboo. Dionna’s investigation revealed that children acquired many essential developmental and social skills; simply by sleeping with their parents at night. There will be many people that will dispute these claims and hold strong to their convictions; that children belong in their own beds.  One possible example would be: "The Nanny", but I believe that each parent must decide for themselves which option would be the most suitable for their family.