Co-sleeping vs. Crib: Which Is Better for Baby’s Sleep?
When it comes to providing the best possible sleep for baby, parents must make a tough decision. Should baby sleep in a crib or share a bed with parents? Both approaches provide benefits and drawbacks for baby. Cribs offer a safe sleep space and reduce the risk of SIDS, while co-sleeping provides more closeness and bonding opportunities. Knowing the pros and cons of each option can help parents decide what is best for their family.
Generally, experts recommend babies sleep in a crib or bassinet in the same room as the parents but not in the same bed. This is known as room sharing, and is said to reduce the risk of SIDS and unsafe sleeping practices.
Either way, parents should practice safe sleep habits for baby and always follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sleep guidelines.
Benefits of Crib Sleep
When it comes to crib sleep, safety and consistency are two of the biggest benefits. Everyone in the family has a sleep space, reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers. Consistency is also important. Crib sleep teaches babies to sleep independently, forming a nightly routine that can lead to better sleep overall.
Crib sleep also keeps parents and baby from sleeping too closely, reducing the risk of suffocation or other dangerous sleep practices. Cribs have a firm surface, which is recommended for baby.
Drawbacks of Crib Sleep
Crib sleep isn’t without drawbacks, including the separating of parents and child. Many parents find it difficult to spend an entire night away from baby, and crib sleep eliminates the opportunity for baby to nurse or be soothed if they awaken in the night.
Parents must also battle against change or interference with baby’s sleep schedule caused by shifts in environment or family activities. Moving baby from crib, to travel bed, to grandparent’s house and back can cause disruption to baby’s sleep routine.
Cribs may also be less comfortable for baby than a parent’s bed. Without the comfort of a mother’s scent and warmth, baby may struggle to find comfort in a crib.
Benefits of Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping offers many opportunities for touching and bonding between baby and parents. Baby will benefit from the warmth, comfort, and familiarity of parent’s bed, evening out the stress of the day.
Co-sleeping can also make nursing and soothing baby easier since baby is close by. Quickly offering a breast to a hungry baby in the middle of the night will take less time and less stress than bringing baby to the nursery for a feeding.
Lastly, co-sleeping can lead to better sleep overall. Think of the expression “sleeping like a baby”, and it’s easy to understand the appeal of co-sleeping. Babies who sleep close to their parents often display better sleep patterns, with less fuss and thrashing around.
Drawbacks of Co-sleeping
The drawbacks of co-sleeping are similar to that of crib sleeping, with a few key differences. The biggest concern with co-sleeping is safety. Parents and baby must take precaution to ensure a safe sleep situation, such as not sharing a bed with heavy blankets, pillows, or other pets.
Co-sleeping also depends on a consistent bed and parents being around. This can be difficult to maintain during travel or when schedules require parents away from home for an extended period of time.
Lastly, co-sleeping can become a habit for baby that’s difficult to break. Pushing baby too soon out of the parental bed can be more difficult on both parents and baby.
What Is Right for You?
- Crib sleep is recommended by experts and is a safe option for baby.
- Crib sleep teaches baby to sleep independently.
- Co-sleeping offers opportunities for closeness and bonding between parent and child.
- Consistency must be used when practicing either method, and safety must always be considered.
When it comes to deciding on crib sleep or co-sleeping, there is no right or wrong answer. It ultimately depends on the parenting style, family preferences, lifestyle, and individual situation. Knowing the risks and benefits of both methods can help parents make the best decision for their baby.