Co-sleeping: good idea or bad?

From the moment you come home from the maternity unit, the question of sleep arises: to share a bed with your baby or sleep separately? Even if the nursery has been ready for three months and a lovely cot is all set up, many parents are fans of co-sleeping — while others are not. Maman Et Bébé Nature tries to take stock of this rather controversial practice in France.

What does co-sleeping actually mean?

Simply sleeping in the same room as your baby is not considered co-sleeping; it's sharing a bed with your baby — whether directly in your bed or using a special bedside crib attached close to the mother — that defines co-sleeping. Some couples have the baby on one side of the bed (the mother's side); others slot them in between the parents! Shared sleep is often recommended by early childhood professionals, who suggest co-sleeping for at least the first six months of your baby's life. This period can of course be shortened or extended depending on the feelings and needs of both parents and baby.

Why sleep close to your baby?

One of the main arguments in favour of co-sleeping is that it makes breastfeeding easier. Having your baby nearby at night clearly makes it possible to feed them without having to get up and walk to the nursery, allowing you to respond to their needs more readily. A small muslin or a bib on the bedside table and you're all set! Some studies suggest that a breastfeeding mother who co-sleeps can breastfeed up to three times longer than average.

The mother-child bond is also highlighted as a benefit. Co-sleeping is said to strengthen the maternal bond, as both mother and baby feel mutually reassured when close to one another. This practice allows mothers to keep a constant eye on their baby and has a soothing effect. Smelling mum's scent, hearing her breathe, knowing she's very close — all of this helps your baby sleep in ideal conditions. Co-sleeping is said by some specialists to promote your baby's development and improve the quality of their sleep. It can also be extremely useful during difficult nights: nightmares, illness, reflux, and so on.

What are the drawbacks of co-sleeping?

The question that comes up most often around this practice is safety. The risk of suffocation is real when the right precautions are not taken. Having your baby sleep between both parents is perhaps best avoided, as the risk of accidental suffocation increases: when a parent falls into a deep sleep, they may forget the baby is there. The environment can also pose a hazard: pillows, sheets, cushions, and duvets can all endanger your baby.

And what about preserving the couple's intimacy? Some parents find that their relationship suffers when the baby is constantly present. They may gravitate back towards a more traditional arrangement, or simply learn to be patient!

Maman Et Bébé Nature's tips

If after all this you've decided to give co-sleeping a go, we'd still like to add our two pennies' worth with a few pieces of advice:

• Avoid letting your baby sleep between both parents
• Consider a bedside co-sleeping crib to keep a dedicated space for your baby
• Buy a co-sleeping crib that's large enough so you won't need to replace it as your baby grows
• Check mattress quality: it should not be too soft
• If you're no longer breastfeeding, keep bottles and formula portions on the bedside table

A final word

As you'll have gathered, co-sleeping allows you to breastfeed in complete peace and rest alongside your baby, share tender moments, and give plenty of cuddles. Co-sleeping will be your ally when the nights get tough, and will help you settle your baby more quickly. Do however stay vigilant and ensure your baby's safety by following the necessary precautions and seeking advice from healthcare professionals.

And to end on a light note, here's a very accurate picture of what co-sleeping really looks like for parents: