Colin Snow
Cultural differences play a significant role in how parents approach their newborn's sleep. While sleep training is common in Western countries, it is a foreign concept in many other parts of the world. In Western countries, there is a focus on creating a separate and safe sleeping space for newborns, often with their own cribs and rooms. However, in non-Western societies, co-sleeping is prevalent, with babies sleeping in the same bed or room as their parents or caregivers. This variation in sleeping arrangements is influenced by factors such as cultural norms, living conditions, and climate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Co-sleeping | Common in non-Western countries like India, Japan, the Philippines, and Korea. In Western countries like the U.S., U.K., and Canada, co-sleeping is not recommended by medical professionals due to safety concerns and the potential for sleep disruption. |
| Sleep training | Common in Western countries. Sleep training was popular in German-speaking countries in the 1990s but is now frowned upon. |
| Sleep schedules | In some countries, there is a more relaxed, on-the-go mentality, and it is normal for a baby's sleep schedule to vary from day to day. |
| Sleep environment | In Western countries, there is a focus on creating a separate nursery with cribs, mobiles, rockers, etc. In non-Western countries, babies often sleep in the same room or bed as their parents, especially in the first year of life. |
| Sleep safety | The U.S. stands out for placing newborns in separate rooms and beds, which is uncommon in other cultures. |
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What You'll Learn
Co-sleeping in Japan
Co-sleeping, or "soine" in Japanese, is a common practice in Japan, with parents sharing sleeping spaces with their children until around the age of ten. This tradition of bed-sharing is not unique to Japan, with studies showing that 46% of children in 186 non-industrialized societies sleep in the same bed as their parents, while a further 21% sleep in a separate bed in the same room.
In Japan, the traditional form of co-sleeping is "kawa no ji", where the child sleeps between their parents. This arrangement is thought to bring feelings of contentment and security, known as "anshinkan". The flexibility of the futon, the traditional Japanese bed, is important in developing anshinkan, as it can be moved around the home to accommodate the family's needs. For example, if an older child is unsettled, a futon can be placed in their room for a parent to sleep on, providing comfort and recreating the sense of soine.
Co-sleeping is also a practical solution to a lack of space in Japanese households, and it means that parents do not need to get up in the night to tend to their baby. It can also be safer in a country that experiences earthquakes, as parents are close by if an emergency occurs during the night.
However, not all Japanese parents choose to co-sleep. Some parents prefer their children to sleep in a cot or crib, either in the same room or a separate one, to avoid the risk of rolling over onto their child or disrupting their sleep.
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Bedside beds in Germany
In Western societies, it is common to see babies sleep in their own cribs and rooms. However, in the rest of the world, it is typical for babies to sleep with their parents or, at least, in the same room as them. In fact, in a study of 186 non-industrial societies, 46% of children were found to sleep in the same bed as their parents, while 21% slept in a separate bed in the same room. This means that in 67% of the cultures around the world, children sleep in the company of others.
In Germany, bedside cribs are available for purchase, indicating that it is a common practice for newborns to sleep beside their parents' bed. Bedside cribs are designed to allow newborns to sleep in close proximity to their parents while still maintaining their own sleeping space. These cribs often feature adjustable heights, breathable mesh sides, storage baskets, and wheels for portability.
For example, the Baby Bassinet 3-in-1 Bedside Sleeper offers adjustable height settings, a breathable mesh design, a storage basket, and wheels for easy mobility. Similarly, the Jimglo 3-in-1 Baby Bassinet is a bedside bassinet with a comfy mattress, wheels, and adjustable height options. Another option is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0, which features 360-degree rotation, adjustable height, breathable mesh, and a lowering wall for easy access.
These bedside cribs provide German parents with the option to have their newborns sleep nearby, promoting a sense of closeness and ease of access for feeding and caring for their babies during the night.
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Swings and mats in the Philippines
In the Philippines, co-sleeping is a common practice, with babies sleeping in the same bed as their parents or in the same room. This is also observed in many other non-Western cultures, where it is expected for babies to be close to their mothers after birth.
While there is no specific information on the use of swings and mats for newborn sleep in the Philippines, it is worth noting that baby swings are commonly used in various countries, including the United States, to soothe fussy babies or provide a safe space for them while caregivers are busy. However, it is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using swings for sleeping babies due to safety concerns and the potential for positional asphyxiation. Instead, the AAP recommends that babies be moved to a firm sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet, if they fall asleep in a swing.
In the Philippines and other similar cultures, the concept of sleep training or teaching a baby to sleep may be foreign, as it is common for babies to sleep in close proximity to their caregivers. The practice of co-sleeping provides warmth and comfort to the baby, especially in colder regions. However, it is important to ensure a safe sleeping environment by removing any loose objects, such as pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys, to prevent the risk of suffocation.
While baby swings can be helpful for calming babies and providing a safe space for them while caregivers are busy, they should not be used as a replacement for a proper sleep surface. It is recommended to follow safety guidelines and tips, such as ensuring the baby is in a reclined position, avoiding placing swings on raised surfaces, and limiting the amount of time babies spend in swings or similar equipment.
Overall, the sleeping arrangements for newborns in the Philippines may vary depending on cultural practices, family preferences, and individual circumstances. While co-sleeping is a common practice, the use of swings and mats should be approached with caution, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the baby.
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Moses baskets
In Western countries, it is common for newborns to sleep in their own cribs or bassinets, often in their own rooms. This practice is influenced by cultural norms and the availability of space, with many Western homes having larger living quarters. The concept of sleep training, or teaching babies to sleep on their own, is also more prevalent in Western societies.
However, in many non-Western cultures, co-sleeping is the norm, with newborns sleeping in the same bed or room as their parents. This practice is often rooted in the belief that newborns should remain close to their mothers after birth, providing warmth and comfort. For example, in rural North India, it is recommended that newborns are kept on their mother's body or someone else's to prevent hypothermia during bitter winters.
One of the advantages of Moses baskets is their portability. They can be easily moved from one room to another, allowing parents to keep their newborns close during the day or when travelling. Moses baskets are also known for their aesthetic appeal, often featuring intricate designs and decorations that make them a stylish addition to the nursery or bedroom.
While Moses baskets provide a comfortable and convenient option for newborn sleep, it is important to prioritize safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should sleep on their backs on a firm sleep surface, free from soft bedding, pillows, or loose items that could pose a risk of suffocation. By following these guidelines and creating a safe sleep environment, Moses baskets can be a suitable choice for newborns in their early months.
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Cribs and bassinets
In Western countries, particularly in the US, it is common for newborns to sleep in their own cribs or bassinets. This is often in their own room, which is less common in the rest of the world. Cribs and bassinets are often marketed as essential items for new parents, with a whole industry built around the sleep of babies in the US. Crib sets can include items such as bumpers, blankets, sheets, ruffles, and diaper bags.
However, in many non-Western societies, it is more common for babies to sleep with their parents, either in the same bed or in the same room. This is often due to the expectation that babies should be close to their mothers after birth, and it is only in industrialised Western countries that sleep has become a compartmentalised and private affair. In some cultures, such as in the Philippines and India, co-sleeping is the norm, with families finding ways to create a safe space for the baby in the same bed.
In Sweden, it is recommended that newborns sleep on their own, on their backs, in a crib in their parents' room. This is a compromise, as the recommendation is to avoid bed-sharing, but it is understood that some parents will choose to do so. Similarly, in Japan, bed-sharing is viewed as an opportunity to bond with the baby and respond quickly to their needs during the night.
While cribs and bassinets are commonly used in Western countries, it is important to note that cultural norms and recommendations from healthcare professionals vary around the world, and co-sleeping is often the norm in many countries.
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Frequently asked questions
In the West, it is common for newborns to sleep in their own cribs and rooms. However, in the majority of non-Western societies, babies sleep with their parents or in the same room.
In many non-Western countries, it is expected for babies to be close to the mother after birth, allowing them to bond and respond quickly to their cries. Additionally, co-sleeping provides warmth, which is especially important in colder countries like rural North India.
Co-sleeping is a controversial topic. While some sources claim that it increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation, others argue that the evidence is debatable. Cultural perspectives also play a role, with some countries like Japan and India embracing co-sleeping as a norm.
In Sweden, it is recommended that newborns sleep on their backs in a crib in their parents' room. Moses baskets, which are snug, portable, and easily rocked, are also popular in some countries.
Yes, sleep training methods like the Ferber method were popular in German-speaking countries in the 1990s. However, it is now generally frowned upon in these countries, with a shift towards accepting frequent waking and nursing to sleep as normal.
