Essay On Co-Sleeping

Yet co-sleeping is not entirely risk free. While the general act of co-sleeping is not dangerous, there are a variety of factors that can make it dangerous and even life threatening for an infant. In many cases these risks are written too broadly in an attempt to discourage parents from performing co-sleeping in any form. However, explaining to parents the detailed risks of co-sleeping would save more lives than broadly discouraging the behavior entirely, and allows parents to make more informed decisions on how to raise their children. One of the first major risks that can impair co-sleeping and infant health in general is the presence of a smoker, especially if it is the mother herself. Smoking is a major contributing factor to Sudden Infant …show more content…
The lifestyle and socioeconomic makeup of a family greatly impacts whether co-sleeping is used and whether other options are even possible for the parents. In a 1996 study, it was found co-sleeping was more frequently practices by black and low income families in comparison to white and higher income families (Lozoff, 1996). Co-sleeping as roots internationally, so it is not unexpected to see families from other cultures and backgrounds practicing it without prompting. It is also more suitable for those with economic constraints, as it doesn’t require expensive baby furniture such as a crib, nor does it need an additional space for the infant’s room or sleeping location. I bring this up because often times co-sleeping is discussed without the consideration of the families who practice it the most and the impact it could have on their lives. What is the solution to a low income family which can’t afford or accommodate for anything beyond co-sleeping? Is there really enough evidence to suggest that it is unsafe enough that it shouldn’t be practiced? I argue that co-sleeping is safe in the right conditions, but those conditions need to be explained by health care providers and a family’s options treated with