Quote Originally Posted by k9krazee View Post
I think co-sleeping and SIDS are directly related. Studies have shown that children who co-sleep rarely suffer from SIDS. .
YES! When I was pregnant I did some research on SIDS because my in-laws lost their oldest to SIDS when he was 6 months old. Anyway, I found some research (I'm sorry I can't remember what foundation or scientist did the study because its been a couple of years). What they did was studied the breathing patterns of mothers and babies who were in separate rooms, and in the same room. And what they found was that babies who are in the same room (bassinette next to her bed), their breathing synchronized, and the baby's sleep patterns mirrored the mothers. And it explains why, very often the baby wakes to eat when the mother slips into a lighter sleep. I hope what I am trying to say makes sense.

I am kind of surprised at how many nay-sayers there are to co-sleeping. Yes, its important to teach them to be independant but I question the need for independance by the ripe old age of two?

I was severely criticized by a close family member after Lydia was born because I held her alot. They told me that I was 'spoiling' her. Further, I held her to sleep every night and every nap time. The fact is, I have not raised a clingy needy child. She is a very well-rounded child, goes happily to other people and I can leave her with babysitters and she doesn't even cry. I personally think that when you leave a child to cry themselves to sleep in the dark, your child is much more likely to suffer from anxiety and separation difficulities. but when you make them feel secure, they are secure all the way around.

That said I am certainly not an expert, and learning right along with the next mother!