Although family beds or co-sleeping were rarely heard of just a few years ago, the practice of parents or parents and children sleeping together is actually very old. Up until the 20th century, it was common practice for the whole family to sleep together in at least one room, often even in one large bed – usually due to cramped living conditions. While co-sleeping has since been forgotten in this country and has only been practised more frequently again in recent years, in other cultures – especially among indigenous peoples – it is a traditional sleeping habit that is firmly integrated into everyday family life.
What exactly is co-sleeping?
Co-sleeping is when parents and children sleep together in the same bedroom – usually together in one bed, sometimes in separate beds. The arrangement can vary: both parents or just a single parent with one or more children. Sleeping in the same bed is also known as co-bedding or family bed.
What are the benefits of co-sleeping in a family bed?
The family bed promotes social bonding between parents and child. Newborns and infants in particular generally always seek to be close to and talk to their mother, as she is both a source of nourishment and offers them protection. During physical contact and breastfeeding, oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone, is released in both mother and child. The hormone has a calming, relaxing and comforting effect. It also strengthens trust between the mother and her baby.
Sleeping in a bed not only has physiological benefits. It also improves the quality and duration of sleep, as breastfeeding mothers can adjust more easily to their baby’s waking phases, needs and hunger. Many mothers simply continue to nap while breastfeeding their baby and therefore get significantly more sleep than mothers whose children are in their own room.
However, co-sleeping not only strengthens the relationship between mother and child, the father-child relationship also benefits from sleeping together in the family bed.
Influence of co-sleeping on children’s development
A common and widespread opinion is that children who sleep in a family bed are spoilt and less independent than those who sleep alone in their own room from an early age. A study from 2004 showed that children who were placed in the nursery from infancy were more likely to fall asleep without supervision and also sleep through the night more regularly. Breastfeeding also generally ended earlier in children who slept alone.
On the other hand, children who were allowed to sleep in the family bed as infants are often more independent and autonomous. They find it easier to socialise with their peers and make friends more quickly. Many of them were able to dress themselves earlier and were also more advanced in other practical matters.
What needs to be considered when co-sleeping?
The child’s welfare comes first. Especially with small babies, co-sleeping in the family bed should only be practised under certain conditions. A safe sleeping environment for the child is always essential to minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Falling off the bed, entrapment or rolling over by the parents must be prevented at all costs. In addition, parents should not smoke or consume alcohol or other drugs.
It is advisable to put the child to bed in a sleeping bag so that only one parent is lying next to them. Blankets, pillows or soft toys should not be near the sleeping baby. Particularly soft mattresses or even waterbeds are not suitable for a family bed. A so-called co-sleeper, which can be attached directly to the parents’ bed, can be a practical option to ensure a safe sleeping environment during co-sleeping.
Co-sleeping – always an individual decision
Each family must decide for themselves whether co-sleeping is an option for them and in what form. The question of up to what age children should stay in bed with their parents cannot be answered in general terms and always depends on the needs of the individual family members.
If you want to try out co-sleeping, you should first find out exactly what requirements need to be met in order to make co-sleeping as safe and comfortable as possible for everyone involved. Because even in a family bed: A GOOD DAY BEGINS AT NIGHT.
