I will never forget the insane first weeks with my daughter, Arya ( now almost embarking on toddlerhood!)
I had spent weeks looking for the perfect pink Moses basket, eagerly setting it up all nice and pretty next to our bed.
Spoiler alert:
She absolutely hated it.
In fact, the only place she would sleep was curled up in my arms ( ugh I really do miss those hazy newborn days sometimes…)
So, most nights I stayed up until around 4-5am desperately trying to move her from my arms into the basket.
It honestly got to a point where I thought I might just pass out from exhaustion…
Yet I disregarded co-sleeping because I was terrified of losing her to SIDS.
It was only until I went down a rabbit hole on co-sleeping benefits, I discovered so many incredible facts on keeping our babies close.
Now I can’t imagine waking up with her all curled up right beside me.
I hope these 5 co-sleeping benefits will inspire you, show different alternatives, spark discussion, and learn something new!
1. I never miss out on sweet baby cuddles
Now almost one, my daughter is changing constantly, gaining more mobility and independence everyday.
That’s why I want to soak those sweet baby cuddles as much as I can because these moments won’t last forever.
And there’s nothing quite like seeing Arya’s tiny hand on my chest during the night.
2. Co Sleeping Benefits #2 : I’m Well Rested (& mentally sane in return)
No more frantically trying to move my daughter into her cot ( I’m getting flashbacks just thinking about it tbh…)
Instead I lay right by her side which makes her sleep longer, sooth easier ( especially during periods of teething) allowing a deeper restorative rest for me.
3. It make breast feeding a whole lot of a heck easier
By far one of my favorite co-sleeping benefits,as a breastfeeding mom…
It feels like a luxury not having to get up at 3am, walk down the hallway, then finally pick her up for a feed.
I mean by that point I’m already wide awake and miserable, okay. ..
So actually being able to be not even turn over or be fully awake as Arya latches on and off during the night feels so nice.
And most times, she doesn’t even cry, just latches on for a bit then falls right back to sleep.
The dream.
4. It supports babies biological sleep patterns
Despite common co-sleeping myths, current research shows that our babies were designed to need our closeness and support to sleep.
I mean wow.
That is such a beautiful aspect that I always come back to as I lay next to my baby throughout the nights.
5. Additional Resources
Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory
Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Question,
What are some of your favorite co-sleeping benefits? Let’s keep the conversation going below!