The act of co-sleeping, where babies and toddlers share a “family bed” with their parents, is a rising trend in the United States, though the practice is contested by those who doubt its purported benefits. Here are the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your child:
PRO
Breastfeeding in bed much more convenient than running hose into nursery
Gushing to single friends about the beauty of sleeping beside your spouse and infant will make them feel even lonelier
Crying sounds way better live than through crappy monitor
No scientific evidence that smothering a newborn with the full weight of your unconscious body inhibits development
Easy nighttime feedings mean that moms can pump a few ounces just for themselves during the day
Mommy, Daddy, and baby can sleep soundly knowing their condo still has a killer home gym
CON
Instills in child the dangerous idea that they come first in parents’ lives
Baby kept awake night after night by your recurring nightmares
Very real risk of your child one day uttering the words “family bed” in public
Yet another goddamn sleep number to juggle
Probably tough for newborn to sleep so close to the womb without being able to get back in
It’s weird as hell—let’s not pretend otherwise
