Many psychiatrists and psychoanalysts make a big deal of the psychological disturbances caused by bed-sharing, but these are often unfounded.
Sharing your bed with your children isn't bad, and it could be a solution to sleeping problems. However, pay attention to safety.
Here are some simple guidelines to adhere to:
- don't bed-share if you smoke;
- don't bed-share if you've been drinking or taken sleeping pills because of the risk of suffocation or the baby falling;
- make sure the room isn't hot (16 to 18°C is ideal);
- make sure the bed isn't too high;
- place a mattress next to the bed in case of a fall;
- get rid of pillows;
- try using a bassinet (a type of "side-car" cot that pulls up to the side of the bed).