Children in Their Parents’ Bed – Closeness with Side Effects 😴👶

Who doesn’t remember quietly sneaking into their parents’ bed as a child? When a nightmare felt too real, falling asleep just wouldn’t work, or comfort was simply needed. And anyone with children knows that familiar knock on the bedroom door in the middle of the night, usually just after you have finally fallen asleep.

Many parents worry that children who sleep in their parents’ bed might become too dependent or struggle to develop independence. In reality, the opposite is often true. Children who are allowed closeness in their early years tend to develop strong emotional security and emotional intelligence.

Co-sleeping is not a modern trend. Our ancestors practiced it, and in many cultures around the world it is still completely normal. The need for protection and closeness is deeply rooted in young children. Sleeping alone in a separate room is actually a fairly modern concept.

Sharing a bed can also have benefits for parents.

No getting up at night

Breastfeeding mothers know this well. A crying baby is far more effective than any alarm clock. When the baby sleeps in the parents’ bed, responding is quick and often possible without fully waking up. Breastfeeding becomes easier, and the familiar scent encourages the baby to feed more frequently.

Less crying

When a baby wakes up alone, crying is the only way to get attention. In the parents’ bed, the baby immediately senses that their caregivers are close by and can calm down much faster.

Support for the body

The steady breathing and heartbeat of the parents help babies regulate their own bodily functions. Parents can also instinctively check their baby’s temperature during the night.

Building trust and confidence

There is no such thing as too much closeness. Children who feel safe at night develop strong basic trust and self confidence, an important foundation for later life.

In the end, the moment comes naturally when children prefer to sleep in their own bed. Often exactly when Mom and Dad suddenly start snoring too loudly.