Dispelling Myths About Bedsharing

Learn the Truth!

There are many myths about bedsharing out there. Despite studies showing the benefits of bedsharing, doctors and parenting experts continue to advise against it. More and more parents are beginning to practice this. As it becomes more common, the myths are being dispelled; however, we still have a long way to go. Some people still cling to these old wives' tales as if they are reality or cannot see past their own preconceived notions. There are many positives to bedsharing and very few actual negatives.

Bedsharing and cosleeping are the same thing. No, bedsharing is a form of cosleeping. Cosleeping is when your infant beds near you, such as in a bedside bassinet. Bedsharing is when you and your child sleep in the same bed. Many use the terms interchangeably, but the two are separate practices.

It creates dependant children who will never develop autonomy. This is completely false. Children who cosleep with their parents often become more independent than those who don't. The harder you hold onto your children, the more they will pull away. This also works in reverse. While some children take longer than others to move to their own bedroom, by the time they are adults, they are just as capable as any other person of living an independent life. My son is 21 months old and still bedsharing. He falls asleep and wakes up on his own, puts on and removes his own shoes, feeds himself and puts his dishes away when finished, and insists on doing anything himself that he can. Toddlers are going to develop autonomy and independence, and children that feel secure in their relationships with their parents will do so without any prompting.