At what age does bed-sharing become detrimental to a child?
I'm making an assumption that there has to be an age at which bed-sharing no longer provides a benefit to either party and in fact is harmful to at least one of them. Are there any studies that prove this point? If so, is it possible these studies are simply biased by cultural norms and don't show actual harm to parent or child?
Hopefully the study would answer these questions:
When should parents stop sleeping in the same bed as their child?
What kind of issues can this cause for both the child and the parent
if the bed-sharing continues beyond what is recommended?
Does the answer vary depending on whether we are talking about a single parent vs. a
couple?
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I don't think there is a definitive answer for this question. The behavioral and development specialists at the children's hospital where my sons PCP is all agree that co-sleeping is bad and should only be allowed as an exception to comfort a child on stormy nights or after other upsetting events. Their arguments are that it prevents children from developing confidence and independence that becomes crucial in early education, and the development of trust that even though they can't see mommy/daddy they are still there.
Still other professionals make the exact opposite arguments that the more nurturing co-sleeping reduces separation based stress which in turn promotes stronger development of emotional stability and key skills.
I found a study from 2007 that states there is some accuracy to both sides. I would read a few articles from both sides then play it by ear with consideration of your child's specific behaviors.
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