Why sleep with or near your baby?

Our human infants are meant to sleep close to their parents, not isolated and alone for long periods of time. Human babies are not yet adapted for “independence” which is the trend in our culture. When did this idea of independent infants start to become our cultural norm? That will be the subject of another blog soon. Let’s today think about why babies need to be close.  Infants are dependent for a reason. Their brains are only about 25% formed at birth. It is natural for babies to need to be close to their caregivers. While sleeping or being held close to their parent’s bodies they rouse when their parents rouse; they feel their parent’s movements and breaths. They regulate their cardio system, neuro system, respiratory system and their lymphatic system to the sounds, heartbeats, energetic expressions and touch of their mothers and fathers. Though this on the surface seems like it’s not even happening, almost imperceptibly babies are assimilating mechanisms for brain, heart, circulatory, lymphatic and gastrointestinal function and are fine tuning themselves to all of these amazing biological happenings. As much skin to skin contact as possible is optimal but most important is basic closeness. Carry your baby, hold them whenever possible, sleep next to them- even if just for naps- and certainly keep baby in the same room as you are at night if they are not actually co sleeping.
Here is a link for a great article about all this: http://www.naturalchild.org/james_mckenna/rethinking.html
Have a beautiful day!
Hugs from Barbara