Editor’s note: Attachment Parenting International (API) advocates for a parenting approach rooted solidly in research, and continuing research further validates and builds upon API’s foundation. API is excited to collaborate with Salem State University in the development of this opportunity for AP parents to share how they practice Attachment Parenting (AP) in their home, specifically regarding cosleeping:
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I have been involved in Attachment Parenting research for many years, both as a practitioner and as a researcher.
I am currently conducting a study about families who are continuing to cosleep with children at a variety of ages and may either be considering transitioning the child to their own bed or room, or have already gone through this transition.
I would also like to hear from parents who can’t imagine this as of yet or even ever.
As such, please complete the survey and share the link with others who may be interested. Access the survey link through the API Forum. (You will need to use your forum login; if you don’t have one, it’s free to join.)
The survey is a little bit long at 41 questions, but this information hasn’t been collected anywhere, so it would be great to have it out there!
This study has been approved by Salem State University’s IRB.
I may be reached at pmiller@salemstate.edu with any questions. I would love hearing from you!
Thank you very much,
Patti Miller, Salem State University
Our 17 month old son still sleeps in our bed with us, he has since day one. We’re going to work on him transitioning into his own bed here soon probably so we can have some more space and time to ourselves in the evenings.
My husband and I myself have been cosleeping with our boy since I can remember. He is 4 now. out of the 7 nights a week he sleeps in our bed probably 3 nights now. we began to transition him to his own bed when we ourselves noticed our sleep being hindered due to a wiggly kid in between us. we started this when he was 2.5 yrs old. he now asks to fall asleep in our bed just for the comfort but the knowledge that we will put him in his bed when we’re ready for bed. it’s all about making it work for each individual. it’s been working for us and our son is becoming more and more independent as he ages when it comes to our sleeping arrangements.
I am a co-sleeper. My babies have always slept right next to me. I have 3 kids – 13, 8 &2. The 2 yr old is still in bed with me, he’s still nursing too. My 8 yr old sleeps on a twin mattress on the floor right next to my side of the bed. My kids have their own rooms but they want to sleep with me and I let them. I only get them for a short time and then they grow up. I love my kids to the moon and back, I love that we’re so close. I love that they feel safe with me. I know the 8 yr old will eventually migrate to his own room, my oldest one did around 9-10 yrs.