Cultural Perspectives on Infant Sleeping Arrangements

Throughout the world, for centuries, parents and infants have engage in many different sleeping arrangements. In the Western World solitary sleeping is strongly encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Solitary sleeping, or sleeping in separate rooms and separate beds, is said to promote the infants independence and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The AAP has even issued multiple warnings on the dangers of shared sleeping arrangements, citing concerns regarding the safety, wellbeing, and the independence of the child. While the health and safety of an infant is the top priority for all the Western idea of solitary sleeping does not consider the different cultural beliefs of others. Therefore, despite

Co-sleeping and bedsharing are among the most popular forms of this practice. Most, who choose co-sleeping or bedsharing, feel the benefit out way the risk and it can be accomplice in a safe manner. Co-sleeping or room sharing is the practice of the infant sleeping in the same room while in their own bed or crib. Bedsharing is the practice of parent and infant sleeping on the same bed surface. In order to determine which sleeping style is the most beneficial for both the infant and parent it is important to first understand the similarities and differences of co-sleeping and bedsharing.

Co-sleeping and bedsharing are very similar in theory, and share many of the same benefits but have vase differences. One of the greatest benefits associated with shared sleeping is that it promotes breastfeeding. For these mothers co-sleeping provides quick accessibility to the infant during the night. While bedsharing

It could be concluded that co-sleeping provides the maximum benefit for both the mother and infant. It promotes the health and well-being of the child while fostering their independence. On the other hand bedsharing may help build a stronger bond between the mother and child. However, sleeping arrangements much like child rearing is a personal choice that a family must decide for themselves. It is up to the family to look at their beliefs, values, life style, and consider which will work best for them. So may feel bedsharing will suite their needs while other my feel another sleeping arrangement is the most adequate for them. The goal of a parent is to provide an optimal environment for their infant and whichever sleeping arrangement promotes that is the arrangement they should