What are Some Problems With Children Sleeping in Bed With Their Parents?

Many cultures and societies believe that it is completely normal and natural for a baby or a child to sleep with her parents. There are some concerns about this for a child under the age of 1 due to the possibility of danger to the child. Older children have less danger of injury or death while sleeping with parents, but may have some difficulty gaining independence.

  1. Independence Issues

    • In regards to children sleeping with parents, the problem of independence is a matter of debate. It is believed that a child who sleeps with his parents may foster more dependence on the parents than would otherwise occur. It is also believed that as long as parents work on developing a child's independence in other areas of life, sleeping with the child might not be a problem. This depends on parenting style and cultural beliefs more than anything.

    Risk of Injury or Death

    • The risk of injury or death is particularly high for young babies. In extremely serious cases, parents could roll onto the baby and suffocate him or the baby could become wrapped in blankets and sheets and experience strangulation. Babies can also be injured by falling off a bed when left unattended. Another solution is to allow a baby to sleep in the same room as the parents in a crib or bassinet.

    Parental Intimacy and Sleep

    • Parental intimacy can lessen normally after children are introduced into a household, but this is made worse if a child sleeps with the parents on a regular basis. The parents have less time for being alone and connecting with each other on an adult level. Another problem is overcrowding, as an additional body in the bed can lessen overall sleep for parents and the child, and sleep deprivation affects learning, memory and overall functioning throughout the day.

    Possible Benefits

    • There are also some possible benefits to allowing a child to sleep with parents. It may help with breastfeeding when the child is young because the mother wakes up when the baby is hungry and breastfeeding can immediately occur. A baby or young child also feels safe and secure all night long because she is not worried about the location of the parents. Parents sleeping cycles can begin to interact with the babies, which leads to a better night sleep for both parties.

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