Cosleeping

Human infants are typically most comfortable when they have constant human contact and attention. Cosleeping, which can refer to a variety of arrangements in which children sleep in the same room or in the same bed as parent(s), helps increase physical contact and affection children receive.

Thoughtful cosleeping can help prevent SIDS, improve parent-child bonding and wellbeing, and increase confidence of young children. We are developing a detailed information page on cosleeping, including the important safety consideration. Meanwhile, we suggest the following review article for those interested in educating themselves.

Why babies should never sleep alone: A review of the co-sleeping controversy in relation to SIDS, bed sharing and breast feeding

James J. McKenna* and Thomas McDade. PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY REVIEWS (2005) 6, 134-152.