Why Look at Co-sleeping With a Toddler
Considering co-sleeping with a toddler? Be sure you’re aware of co-sleeping safety before you let them snuggle in your bed.
When you have a toddler in the house, they’ve likely ended up sleeping in your bed at some point.
Even if you don’t intend to co-sleep, toddlers are notorious for waking at night and coming into their parent’s rooms.
Some parents can’t imagine sleeping any other way, others are more reluctant to let their toddler interrupt their sleep.
Co-sleeping safety is not as difficult with older children like toddlers, but there are still some important safety guidelines.
How Co-sleeping With a Toddler Works
Intentional or not, having a toddler in your bed is bound to happen especially if they are unwell or upset.
There are many positive benefits to co-sleeping with a toddler. It may be a little inconvenient but many families believe the benefits outweigh the downsides.
On the other hand, some parents need space to sleep and want to keep their kids in their own bed.
Whether you’re an expert at co-sleeping or are trying to decide if it’s right for you here are some facts to be aware of.
We’ve listed the pros and cons of co-sleeping with a toddler to make the right decision for your family. And to ensure co-sleeping safety for all concerned.
Pros
No matter how rough of a day you have, your kids always seem so peaceful and sweet when they’re sleeping.
Many parents choose co-sleeping with a toddler because it gives them some additional quality time with their little ones.
What is better than a little ones snuggles anyways especially when aware of co-sleeping safety?
Here are some of the benefits of co-sleeping with a toddler for both the parent and the child.
Strengthen the Bond by Co-sleeping With a Toddler
In a situation where mom is breastfeeding, co-sleeping with a toddler is great to continue and encourage their breastfeeding relationship.
It also strengthens the bond between the parent and child. Quality time at bedtime especially if you want your toddler to sleep peacefully.
Co-sleeping Toddlers are More Independent
This is according to research in the book Good Nights: The Happy Parent’s Guide to the Family Bed (and a Peaceful Night’s Sleep!).
Instead of being more dependent on parents, co-sleeping with a toddler makes them more independent than children who sleep on their own.
Children learn independence when their needs are met and they feel comfortable to try things on their own. Co-sleeping gives them safety and security.
Co-sleeping With a Toddler Reduces Their Stress
Who would have thought that toddlers can experience stress in their lives.
There is some good news according to a study done by the National Library of Medicine.
Co-sleeping with a toddler, especially in their parent’s bed means cortisol. Less stress means they’re less likely to get sick.
This is a great win for everyone and another co-sleeping safety positive!
Cons
If you’ve considered allowing your toddler to sleep in your bed, it’s important to know the downsides as well.
Sleep arrangements aren’t one size fits all, and co-sleeping with a toddler certainly isn’t for every family.
If you’re wondering about co-sleeping safety or if it may affect you or your toddler in a negative way, you’re not alone.
Here are some of the downsides to co-sleeping with a toddler.
It Might Impact Your Sleep
A study done by the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found toddler sleep problems affected the mom’s sleep as well.
If your child doesn’t asleep through the night, co-sleeping with a toddler will likely keep you up as well.
Sleep deprivation for either parent can lead to a vicious cycle of crankiness in the family.
There is a link found in the study that connected sleep problems in children with mom’s mental health.
Co-sleeping safety could mean less sleep for both parties involved.
Co-sleeping With a Toddler May Affect Your Relationship
When it comes to intimacy, it’s already hard to find time alone with little ones in the house. Having one share your bed can certainly put a damper on things.
If you already have limited time with your significant other co-sleeping with a toddler will make this even less.
Apart from impacting on intimacy the time partners spend in bed is often best for one-to-one communication.
Co-sleeping safety often means the child in the middle and this leads to hushed talking or even whispering. Certainly not the ideal way to conduct a relationship.
Change Will be Hard for Your Toddler
It’s certainly not true that co-sleeping with a toddler will be forever, but it can sometimes feel like that.
When you decide you’re ready for a change in the routine (such as your toddler sleeping in their own bed) it will not be easy.
The safety of co-sleeping means your toddler likely won’t give up those bedtime snuggles without a fight.
Conclusion
Co-sleeping with a toddler is more common than some people may think.
According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta found about 68 percent of children co-slept some of the time.
The truth about co-sleeping with a toddler is it can be a great bonding experience if you’re practicing co-sleeping safety.
However, co-sleeping certainly isn’t for everyone and it can do more harm than good if it’s not the right fit.
We have more articles on kids and sleeping here.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
