Most children voluntarily leave their parents bed at some time. Experiences of those parents who have allowed their children to sleep with them indicate children should be given credit that, provided the home environment is healthy, they will mature. As each need is fulfilled at each stage, they will move on and become more mature. The issue should be how the child leaves the parental bed, not when. Parents can begin by putting the child on a mattress next to their bed and gradually move him to his own room or a sibling s room when the child is ready.
Studies show that siblings who sleep together quarrel less.
There are benefits to co-sleeping. Sleeping with a familiar person smooths the transition from one sleep state to the next and lessens a child s anxiety. If the child awakens he or she can be helped to resettle before he or she fully awakens. For young children who have not developed object permanence the parent must be there for this. Co-sleeping gives the child a feeling of security, protection, and of being loved.