This is the name given to the practice in which the baby usually shares the bed with the parents, it is quite frequent in different parts of the world since it is considered a beneficial activity for both the parents and the child, since the link between both it is reinforced much more.
Currently this issue has caused much controversy, since many people around the world consider it beneficial while others classify it as harmful to the infant, some of the disadvantages that experts criticize so much are:
- The high risks of the baby being suffocated by one of the parents, especially if it is under the influence of alcohol, obesity can also increase the risk of suffocation.
- For parents it can be very uncomfortable when sleeping since the constant cries of the child do not allow them to fall asleep.
- The child, after doing this practice constantly, can develop dependence on the parents, also avoiding psychological growth and maturity.
- It can cause difficulty when the child or baby has to sleep without the company of the parents.
On the other hand, the defenders of this practice indicate that co-sleeping can be of great help, since it presents a series of benefits, which are presented below:
- It can reinforce the affective bond between parents and child
- The infant can achieve sleep satisfactorily, in a shorter time, than if it were without parents.
- The crying of the baby decreases considerably as well as the frequency of the same.
- Experts assure that the child can quickly and satisfactorily develop the ability to respond to stressful situations, as well as the development of autonomy and self-esteem.
In any case, if this activity is carried out , a series of precautions should be taken into account to avoid any situation that may negatively affect the baby, such as avoiding lying with the baby if he suffers from any infection or virus that is contagious, also when ingesting alcohol should be totally avoided, the baby should be laid down in a straight bed, always be alert that he does not fall out of bed.
