Your Health

Bed-Sharing with Baby – the Risks and Benefits

Overview of Bed-Sharing with Baby and Why Do Some Parents Share Their Bed with Baby?

Bed-sharing is a form of co-sleeping in which babies and parents sleep together in the same bed. In a more general term, some experts define this practice as sleeping within the arm’s reach of the infants. Bed-sharing has been around for a long time. This practice can vary from country to country. In Western cultures, bed-sharing has been a controversial topic as it may bring many benefits and risks. In the next sections, we will learn more about it to help you make an informed decision. [1]

Proponents of bed-sharing believe that they may sleep better and longer when sleeping with their babies. Also, women who breastfeed find it easier to feed their infants during the night when they share the same bed. This means that they can get more sleep and do not have to go around. For many people, sleeping with their babies can also make them feel more attached and increase the connections with their newborns. [2]