Why I Keep My Baby In My Room

I have always had my older kids with me in my room when they were babies. I do the same now with Zahava. For me, it makes me feel more relaxed having them by my side. Plus, it makes night feedings easier on me. Also, I am THAT crazy mom who constantly checks if their baby is breathing. I don’t think it’s “anxiety” but more a “mommy” thing to do. Amiright?! I will explain why I keep my baby in my room, just keep reading.

Having Zahava with me in my bedroom also means she takes over! From diapers to furniture to just about everything else, she basically is the boss in the room LOL. Luckily, our master bedroom is pretty big so it’s not cluttered at all. You may be wondering (well if you don’t have your baby in your room) why I keep my baby in my room with me.

Before I continue, I want to add that I know there are those out there who do not have their baby with them in their room. That is totally ok! There is no right or wrong when it comes to how one parents. Each person does what is best for both them and their baby and NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE can tell them otherwise.

Now for me, I do it 1. Because my mama worries/anxiety and 2. Because there are a few benefits to having your baby in your room their first months. Basically first 6 months and ideally, first year. Of course there are downsides to having my baby with me in my room like no privacy etc. but the benefits for me are why I do it.

1. Several studies have shown that room sharing is associated with a lower risk of SIDS. Any parent knows how scary SIDS is and no one should ever have to go through that. When infants sleep in the same room as the parents, they hear background noises and stirrings. This prevents them from going into a deep sleep which is hard to arouse them from. It also makes breastfeeding easier in turn, preventing SIDS.

2. When sharing a room with the infant, it makes breastfeeding more effective. When a mother is in the same room as her baby, she hears their fussing so there is no delay in getting them to feed them right away. When they’re in another room, there is sometimes a delay in the response to nursing as the mother can’t always see or hear the baby fussing.

By a mother being able to feed her baby sooner, it teaches the baby that their needs can be met in a timely manner without them needing to cry at the top of their lungs. This ends up minimizing the baby’s fussiness and excessive crying. Same goes for those who bottle feed. You’ll be able to make the bottle sooner and baby won’t end up screaming crying.

3. Sharing a room with an infant can help reduce a parents stress. This ones for me!! This is because parents are more connected to their baby which promotes a lot of healthy neurotransmitters and hormones in the body as opposed to stress hormones. Basically, being with your baby creates a closer bond.

Now the above may not seem like many reasons to have a baby in the same room for the first 6 months to a year. But for me, it honestly keeps me worry free – or less worried. I can always check on her and make sure she’s fine. This is why I keep my baby in my room the first year.

And if you’re one who has a baby in their own room, kudos to you! We are all great parents no matter what choices we make. As long as we and our baby’s are happy!