Regardless of the area or country you live in, sleeping with your baby in the same room has been considered a common practice and often recommended as a way to create a strong bond between parent and child. However, it is important to look carefully at this habit and ask ourselves if it is really beneficial for the child's development.
Developing independence:
Sleeping in a separate room encourages the development of the child's independence. When the child has his own sleeping space, he can gradually build his self-confidence and the ability to relax and fall asleep on his own. He can learn to feel safe and protected in his own room.
Sleep quality:
Sleeping with the child in the same room can bring a series of disturbances that can affect the quality of sleep. Noises or unintentional movements made by the child during sleep can disturb the sleep of the parent or vice versa.
Breathing or snoring can become disturbing, generating a state of partial awakening during the night. These disturbances can lead to a less restful sleep and can create fatigue and irritability during the day, both for the child and for the parent.
Parental autonomy:
Separating sleep can allow parents to have personal time and space during the evening, which can contribute to their balance and emotional well-being. It is important that parents have the opportunity to relax, reconnect and have quality sleep, so that they can be more present and energetic during the day with the child.
Stability of sleep schedule:
By following a constant schedule of going to bed and waking up, the child's body gets used to regular sleeping hours, which facilitates falling asleep and waking up naturally. A well-established bedtime routine, which can include calming activities such as a bath or reading a story, helps the child to relax and prepare for sleep. These regular sleeping habits contribute to creating an environment conducive to rest and establishing a healthy sleep rhythm, which will help the child to be more rested, attentive and focused during the day.