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Co-sleeping is a topic that\u2019s sparked considerable debate among parents, pediatricians, and researchers<\/a>. Supporters emphasize its benefits, like better sleep for both parents and babies. However, concerns about SIDS risk and other safety issues have led others to warn against it.<\/p>\n In this post, we\u2019ll look at the current safety guidelines and provide useful tips for parents considering co-sleeping. Plus I\u2019ll share what I did with my own kids when they were babies!<\/p>\n Co-sleeping is when parents share a sleeping space with a baby or young child \u2013usually up to the first year of life. Many parents decide to share a room for even longer.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some define co-sleeping as having the baby within arm\u2019s reach, while others define it as parents and baby<\/a> sleeping in the same room. When room-sharing, the baby may sleep next to the parent\u2019s parents\u2019 bed or in a bed or crib across the room. Room-sharing is fairly well-accepted \u2014 at least for the first six months of life.<\/p>\n However, bedsharing is more controversial. Bedsharing is just like it sounds \u2014 sleeping with the baby in the same bed. It\u2019s more common than you might think. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put out a survey of caregivers in 2015.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over half the caregivers surveyed (61%) reported bedsharing at least some of the time.<\/p>\n Co-sleeping with a baby can have physical and emotional benefits for both parents and baby:<\/p>\n Co-sleeping can enhance the bond between parents and baby. The closeness increases the opportunities for interaction, like nursing and comforting. Sleeping near parents at night can also provide a sense of security for the baby. This feeling of safety may lead to better emotional development<\/a> and reduced separation anxiety.<\/p>\n Co-sleeping makes nighttime breastfeeding more convenient. It can make mothers decide to breastfeed for longer (6+ months) because it\u2019s easier to keep up with it night after night.<\/p>\n A 1997 study even found that bedsharing infants breastfed more often and for longer. They had more breastfeeding episodes and spent three times the amount of time during the night compared to separate sleepers.<\/p>\n One side benefit is that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A German study found that formula-fed babies not only had an increased risk of SIDS,\u00a0 \u2014 they had DOUBLE the risk compared to breastfed babies.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sleeping near parents may also reduce the risk of SIDS. Sleeping in close proximity helps regulate the baby\u2019s breathing and body temperature. Healthy breathing patterns can also reduce the risk of SIDS.<\/p>\n More convenient breastfeeding can have even farther-reaching benefits. A 2022 study found that co-sleeping as babies benefitted their bite development as toddlers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Children who practiced co-sleeping as babies were less likely to use a pacifier or suck their thumbs. As a result, they weren\u2019t as likely to develop an overbite<\/a>, crossbite, or open bite. They ended up having better facial development due to co-sleeping.<\/p>\n Having the baby nearby can make nighttime caregiving tasks like feeding and comforting easier and quicker. As a result, parents may be more likely to get restful sleep.<\/p>\n New parents may wonder whether bedsharing is safe. Bedsharing is actually the biological norm and has been common throughout history. Western societies have just moved away from it for the sake of convenience. It can be safe as long as parents follow certain practices.<\/p>\n One of those practices is breast-feeding. Breastfed babies<\/a> have a symbiotic relationship with their mothers and can safely bedshare. However, formula-fed babies are safer in a side sleeper or in a crib next to the mother.<\/p>\n Dr. James McKenna is Director of the Mother-Baby Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame and is widely considered a leading co-sleeping expert. He explains that there are several reasons why co-sleeping with breastfed infants versus bottle fed are not the same:<\/p>\n \u201cBreastfeeding changes where and how the baby is placed next to the mother, to begin with, and the infant\u2019s arousal patterns, how sensitive the baby and the mother are to each other\u2019s movements and sounds and proximities, as well as the infant\u2019s and the mother\u2019s sleep architecture (how much time each spends in various sleep stages and how and when they move out of one sleep stage into another) are very different between bottle feeding and breastfeeding mother-infant pairs.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) still advises against bedsharing In their 2022 updated guidelines. They warned that it increases the risk of SIDS. But SIDS is more of a concern when bed sharing with preterm and low birth weight infants. Healthy, full-term babies are not as much at risk as long as parents follow safe sleep practices.<\/p>\n Dr. McKenna has also gone over the research supposedly linking SIDS to co-sleeping. He says the interpretations of co-sleeping and SIDS study results have many inaccuracies and inconsistencies.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are always examples of people who don\u2019t follow safe bedsharing practices. However, that doesn\u2019t mean no one should do it. And it\u2019s important to note that suffocation from unsafe co-sleeping is not SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), even though the two often get lumped together.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some safe bedsharing practices. Keep in mind these apply to daytime naps as well as nighttime:<\/p>\n The Lullaby Trust out of the UK has also put together a guide on safe mattresses and bedding options for co-sleeping. They emphasize using a firm, flat mattress and avoiding soft or bulky bedding.\u00a0<\/p>\n Some parents may worry that their child will never leave their bed. However, many of the ideas from baby sleep training<\/a> apply here. A good way to start is by gradually transitioning your baby to their own sleep space. Start with a few minutes in their crib or bassinet. Then gradually increase the amount of time sleeping on their own.\u00a0<\/p>\n Be responsive to your baby\u2019s needs during the transition time. Comfort them if they become upset, but encourage them to settle back to sleep in their own sleep space. A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can help with self-soothing and falling back asleep if they wake up during the night.<\/p>\n Another concern is that co-sleeping as babies would set up children to be less independent as they get older. The good news is that research has found<\/a> it to be quite the opposite. Early co-sleepers were more self-reliant and more independent as preschoolers than children who didn\u2019t co-sleep as babies.<\/p>\n Co-sleeping and bedsharing are common practices around the world. They aren\u2019t new concepts. You might be surprised how many world leaders throughout history bedshared with their mothers as infants.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember that it doesn\u2019t have to be \u201call or nothing.\u201d Once the baby is sleeping through the night, it may be time to gradually work toward moving the baby to his or her own room. Parents can use co-sleeping as a part of baby-led sleep training.\u00a0<\/p>\n There may also be times when it isn\u2019t ideal for a baby to sleep in the adult bed. For example, if a parent has a respiratory illness or the flu, it\u2019s probably best to let the infant sleep alone in a crib or bassinet. A night when one or both of the parents have had alcohol is another time to sleep separately.<\/p>\n Many parents simply don\u2019t feel comfortable bedsharing. That\u2019s completely okay! Parents who are heavy sleepers, on certain medications, dealing with an illness, etc., may not want a baby in bed with them. Whatever the case, there\u2019s no judgment here. Room sharing is still an excellent option.\u00a0<\/p>\n When my children were babies, I bedshared with them for the first several months. I had gotten used to the baby being close by in utero<\/a>, so it was a natural transition to have them sleep right next to me in bed. As the baby started moving around more, I also started to feel more comfortable having them sleep on their own. <\/p>\n Of course, sleeping arrangements will depend on each individual baby and family. Do what works best for you.<\/p>\nWhat is Co-Sleeping?<\/h2>\n
Benefits of Co-Sleeping\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Increased Bonding\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Promotes Breastfeeding\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Lowered Risk of SIDS<\/h3>\n
Benefits Bite Development<\/h3>\n
Better Sleep For Parents<\/h3>\n
Is Co-Sleeping Safe?<\/h2>\n
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Safe Co-Sleeping Practices<\/h2>\n
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What About Teaching Independence?<\/h3>\n
It Isn\u2019t All or Nothing<\/h2>\n
What I Do\/Did<\/h2>\n