Co-sleeping is where babies and young children sleep in close proximity to one or both parents. This is a standard practice in many parts of the world and is also sometimes now used in countries where cribs are also used. Bed-sharing, as part of co-sleeping, is also sometimes practiced where babies and young children sleep in the same bed with one or both parents. Infants may also share the same bed.

Mothers may get more sleep by co-sleeping and breast-feeding their babies than by other arrangements. Co-sleeping runs counter to the belief that it alters the infant’s sleep experience. In fact, co-sleeping and bed sharing can work well for some parents.

Stress hormones are believed to be lower in mothers who co-sleep with their babies – specifically regarding the balance of the stress hormone cortisol which is essential for a baby’s healthy growth. Infants who also stay close to their mothers may have higher levels of growth hormones and enzymes necessary for brain and heart growth. Similarly, babies who co-sleep with their mothers have more stable physiology, more steady body temperature, more regular heart rhythms, and fewer long pauses in breathing compared to babies who sleep alone.

Co-sleeping may promote the long-term emotional health of babies. Infants who co-sleep with their parents have been found to be happier, calmer more confident and less likely to be afraid of sleep. They have fewer behavioral problems and tend to be more comfortable with intimacy. Interestingly, they have also been found to be more independent when they become adults.

However, precautionary measures must be observed when co-sleeping with babies especially when bed-sharing. Young children should not sleep with babies under nine months of age. And babies should not be left unattended in an adult bed even if the bed surface is safer than a crib surface.

Co-sleeping and bed-sharing can be beneficial to your baby’s emotional growth. But this is very much a matter of choice for parents.

Baby-led weaning puts emphasis on exploring taste, texture, color and smell as the baby sets his or her own pace for the meal and choosing which food will he or she concentrate on. Instead of the traditional method of spooning puréed food into the baby’s mouth, the baby is presented with a plate of various finger foods from which to choose. Babies learn to eat solid foods effectively by watching and imitating others. Family members can contribute much to a positive weaning experience.

At six months old, babies learn to grab and chew their food so this is the ideal time to begin introducing finger food to them.  The introduction of solid foods to the baby’s diet generally begins during six months of age as his or her digestive system is not fully mature yet before that.

Self-feeding supports the baby’s motor development on many vital areas such as his or her hand-and-eye coordination and mastication or chewing. It encourages the child towards independence and often provides a stress-free alternative for meal times – for both the child and the parents. Some babies refuse to eat solids when offered with a spoon but happily feed themselves when allowed to take food by hands.

It is very important that baby-led weaning is started when the child shows developmental signs indicating that he or she is ready to cope with solid foods. The signs include when a baby is able to sit upright either on your lap, in a high chair or in an unsupported manner, or eager to participate in mealtime and always trying to grab food and putting it inside his or her mouth.

Many parents are afraid of giving their babies such finger food as they feel it may be dangerous for them. This is normal for parents to feel that way; it’s in their nature to feel protective. But babies who are weaned using the baby-led method are actually less likely to choke on their food as they don’t know how to chew. In turn, they do not learn to chew until they have learned to grasp objects and place them in their mouth. The baby’s general development keeps pace with his or her ability to manage food.

The basic principles of baby-led weaning include allowing the baby to reject food at the start of the process and may be offering it again at a later time as well as encouraging him or her to decide how much food he or she will eat. No ‘fill-ups’ using a spoon will be offered and the meals must not be hurried. Sips of water, soft fruits or vegetables may be given. Harder foods are lightly cooked to make them soft enough to chew. Foods with clear danger – such as peanuts – are not offered and non-finger-foods – such as oatmeal and yoghurt – may be given using a spoon so that the baby can learn to self-feed with the use of a spoon.