Parental Filter

I had twins so there was not really room for them in the bed together. I sometimes put them in the bed when they were babies but I couldn't sleep properly as I was always worried that they might get squashed or fall out.

I've talked to lots of parents these days that can't get their kids into their beds and bedrooms, and they kids put up a fuss if the parents try. The result is they are getting crowded out of their own beds. Kids can take up alot of mattress when they sleep, and I have a friend with a 4 and 6 year old who sleep with their parents every night. My friend says that sometimes she'll go sleep in the kids beds to get some rest. The big question here, though? When do the parents get any alone time or even any making love time? I think it's a big mistake on parent's part to not insist on their own bed.

I totally agree.

Discipline begins at birth and giving in to a child refusing to sleep in their own bed sets the stage for more problems down the road. It is important for a child to learn where they end and adults begin.

I think that kids who are afraid of sleeping alone can have either a problem being afraid of the darkness or lacking quality times spent with their parents during the day . By asking their mom ( usually!) to sleep with them ,they're actually begging for the affection which they didn't feel otherwise.

My daughter really prefers sleeping on the same bed with me, or if I'm not around, she sleeps on my mother's bed. I think I won't have it any other way, I agree that it somehow makes them feel secure and sleep sounder at night knowing that mommy is right next to them.

I also love co-sleeping because I get to bond with my daughter, right after her bed-time story, she would then turn the tables and tell me one. We also sing lullabies together, to put us both to sleep. It's amazing how much fun you can actually have before sleeping time.

Like I said before, I won't have it any other way.

I used to sleep with my daughter until she was three month but now she sleeps with my helper. It was very hard for me to be waken up at night. So I dont sleep with her, but next to her bed. And I think its good to sleep with your child because they feel not be alone.

I'd been sleeping with my kid since the time she was born. It is not only because our place is too small to allow more room for privacy and independence, but also because we always wanted company in the room. My daughter couldn't sleep without anyone beside her. She is scared of the dark when alone so it has become normal for us to be sleeping together on the same bed.

Could a pet substitute for a parent when a child is fearful and adjusting to their independent sleep arrangements?

I don't see a whole lot wrong with coming into the kid's bed for awhile after a nightmare or if the child is sick. But it should be made clear that mommy and daddy have their own bed, and it is only for them to sleep in.

Absolutely right Sage Mother, I am a strong believer in getting babies used to being put to bed awake and learning that their cot/is the place where they go to sleep. It saves a lot of problems later on