A member asked:
How will co-sleeping influence my baby's ability to sleep through the night?
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Roy Benarochanswered
Pediatrics 28 years experience
More difficult: Co-sleeping babies do tend to wake more, perhaps because mom and baby are quicker to hear and react to each other, but also because it's quick and easy for mom to nurse. If independent sleep is a top priority for you, co-sleeping may not be the way to go.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Craig Canaparianswered
Pediatrics 21 years experience
More difficult: I agree with the physician above. Co-sleeping tends to delay a child's ability to self soothe and put themselves to sleep, which i view as an important achievement for a child. In sleep clinic i frequently see families with sleep difficulties who have a history of "reactive" co-sleeping (in response to difficulties with sleep onset and maintenance, as opposed to cosleeping as a conscious choice).
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Diamondanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Dangerous!!: Before you worry about the ability to sleep thru the night, remeber that cosleeping increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (sids). No cosleeping--much safer!
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Carol Jacobsanswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Caution: We all love to cuddle our babies - but there are risks with co sleeping. An infant is learning to adapt to all sorts of new stimulation - remember they came out of you and are used to your heartbeat and warmth. But they will learn to sleep on their own with patience. The risk of accidental suffocation is the biggest concern in newborns.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/cosleeping.html
2.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 6, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.