KARUNA MADAN, 31, from Gurgaon, and mom to a 4-year-old boy, rues, “Our son has been sleeping with us since his birth and I love it. But lately I’ve been realizing that I’m losing the intimate connection with my husband. Yet I can’t bring myself to make my baby sleep independently either; I am not sure if he’s even ready!” Alpana Shekhar, 30, from Bengaluru has a 6-year-old daughter and wonders, “I haven’t even thought about making her sleep independently yet, but I would like to be ready someday. I keep wondering what if she needs me at night and I can’t hear her…I would feel so guilty!”

Every parent goes through the dilemma of ‘co-sleep or not to co-sleep’ at some point in their kids’ lives. The decision appears to be easier for parents with two or more kids since it’s impossible to sleep with two kids, and the decision to shift them to a separate room is made automatically. But for parents of single children, or first time parents, it is indeed a tough decision. Read on to find out when and how to do it right!

THE RIGHT AGE

Research shows that co-sleeping during infancy is beneficial, reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) remarkably, and is therefore recommended. It has been inferred that up until the age of 5, it’s best for children to sleep with their mothers. But it’s safe to start weaning them off the parental bed after five years of age. By this time the separation anxiety phase is under control as well. So it’s easier to help the child with the transition.

WHY DO IT AT ALL?