Comforting infants when they rouse meets their basic need for security, promotes bonding, builds confidence, and encourages growth. Physician Assistant Tory Braden notes frequent naps present infants ample opportunities to get used to sleeping alone. While many opponents fear a heavy sleeper might roll over onto her baby, others worry that parents will be disturbed every time the baby moves and so lose much needed rest. Marketing consultant Alana LaPerle tried it both ways. Our second slept with us for the first four months and it was an extremely positive experience for all of us.
Some respondents say co-sleeping interferes with the marriage.
An equal number say, it improves the parents' relationship. The reason given most often for co-sleeping by supporters in this poll is that it makes breast feeding easier. The convenience for both mother and baby promotes breast feeding and encourages its continuation. The benefits of breast feeding are well documented. Medical and research experts do not encourage bed sharing as a strategy to reduce SIDS risk.