For many new parents, getting their infant to sleep can be a challenging and exhausting experience. One question that often arises is whether or not to share a bed with their baby. While some people believe that bedsharing promotes bonding between mother and child, others, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend against it. However, a new study suggests that bedsharing doesn’t boost attachment between mama and baby.
The study was published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics and analyzed data from 178 babies and their parents. The families were assessed through questionnaires and in-person visits at birth, three, six, and eighteen months. While many of the families shared a bed during that time frame, the researchers found that they didn’t report any higher levels of bonding or attachment between mother and baby.
This finding may come as a relief to parents who worry that they won’t be able to bond with their baby unless they sleep together. According to Dr. Ayten Bilgin, the study’s co-author and a lecturer in development psychology at the University of Kent, in England, “A lot of people think that bedsharing is necessary to promote secure attachment with infants. However, there is little research in this area and quite mixed evidence.”
Safe Sleep Recommendations
While bedsharing may not necessarily promote attachment, it’s important for parents to ensure that their baby is sleeping safely. According to the AAP, about 3,500 infants die each year in the United States from sleep-related infant deaths. To prevent tragedies, experts offer the following recommendations:
- Place your baby on his back for every sleep.
- Make sure your baby has a firm sleep surface with no other bedding or soft objects. Remove pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.
- Room share with your infant by placing their bassinet, crib, or play yard in your bedroom. The AAP recommends room sharing for at least six months.
If you choose to sleep with your baby in your bed, there are safe ways to do it. The AAP acknowledges that many parents fall asleep while nursing their infant, especially at night. If you think you might fall asleep during a late-night nursing session, they recommend doing so in bed. Before you get started, remove any pillows or blankets that might cause a suffocation hazard to your baby. If you wake up and notice your little one is still asleep, experts say it’s best to move them back into their bassinet or play yard.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to remember that you know what’s best for your baby. This study suggests that you don’t have to sleep with your baby in order to bond. Just continue being your attentive self while you’re both awake. While experts recommend room sharing but not bed sharing, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks of sleep tragedies.
Bonding with your baby is a gradual process that happens over time, and it doesn’t depend on bedsharing. It is not only about physical closeness but also about emotional responsiveness and interaction. By responding promptly to your baby’s needs and engaging in interactive activities during the day, you can strengthen your bond with your little one.
Sleep is essential for both you and your baby’s health, and it’s crucial to ensure that your baby is sleeping safely. While bedsharing may work for some families, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. By following safe sleep recommendations, you can minimize the risks and promote a healthy and secure sleep environment for your baby.
