Hi, I’m Sarah, a mum of two. I’ll be honest—before having kids, I never thought I’d be a co-sleeping. I imagined my babies sleeping soundly in their cots while I had space. But, like many parents, I found that reality looked a little different. The more I learned about co-sleeping, the more I realised how many benefits it offered—not just for my babies but for me, too.
If you’re considering co-sleeping or are just curious about what it’s like, I’m here to share my experience and its science-backed benefits.
What is Co-Sleeping?
Co-sleeping means sleeping near your baby. This can include:
- Bed-sharing – When your baby sleeps in the same bed as you.
- Sidecar arrangement – When a cot or bassinet is placed right next to your bed.
- Room-sharing – When your baby sleeps in the same room but in their sleep space.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and families choose different methods based on what works for them.
Co-Sleeping Benefits for Babies and Parents
Co-sleeping isn’t just about convenience—it offers a range of emotional, physical, and developmental benefits for both parents and babies.
1. Better Sleep for Everyone
One of the biggest struggles of early parenthood is sleep deprivation. Many parents find that co-sleeping helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This means fewer night wakings and more rest for exhausted mums and dads.
2. Supports Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, co-sleeping makes night feeds much easier. Instead of fully waking up and getting out of bed, you can feed your baby while staying comfortable. Studies show that breastfeeding mums who co-sleep often get more sleep than those who don’t.
3. Strengthens Parent-Child Bond
There’s something deeply reassuring about hearing your baby’s soft breathing and feeling their warmth nearby. Co-sleeping reinforces the parent-child connection, giving babies a sense of security that can lead to greater independence as they grow.
4. Helps Regulate Baby’s Breathing and Heart Rate
Babies are still learning to regulate their bodies, and sleeping close to a parent can help. Research suggests that co-sleeping can stabilise a baby’s breathing, body temperature, and heart rate, reducing the risk of sleep-related issues.
5. Eases Separation Anxiety
As babies grow, separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage. Co-sleeping can help ease these feelings by providing comfort and reassurance, making bedtime a more peaceful experience for both baby and parent.
Is Co-Sleeping Safe?
One of the most common concerns about co-sleeping is safety. While there are risks if it’s not done properly, following safe sleep guidelines can make co-sleeping a secure and positive experience.
Here’s how to co-sleep safely:
- Use a firm mattress – Avoid soft surfaces like couches, which increase the risk of suffocation.
- Keep pillows and blankets away from the baby – Dress your baby in appropriate sleepwear instead.
- Lay babies on their backs – This is the safest sleep position for infants.
- Avoid bed-sharing if you smoke, drink alcohol, or take sedating medication.
- Consider a sidecar cot – If bed-sharing feels risky, a bedside cot allows for closeness while maintaining separate sleep spaces.
Co-Sleeping Myths Debunked
Despite the benefits, co-sleeping comes with a lot of myths. Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
“Co-sleeping makes babies too dependent.” Studies show that babies who feel secure at night develop stronger independence as they grow. Knowing they have a safe space at night can boost confidence during the day.
“They’ll never sleep in their bed.” Most children naturally transition to their own space when they’re ready. In many cultures, co-sleeping is the norm, and children eventually move to their beds without issue.
“It’s not safe.” Co-sleeping can be unsafe if done incorrectly, but it can be a healthy and beneficial sleep arrangement when parents follow safety guidelines.
How to Transition from Co-Sleeping
While some families co-sleep for years, others prefer to transition their child to independent sleep earlier. If you’re thinking about making the shift, here are some tips:
- Start with naps – Encourage your baby to nap in their sleep space first.
- Use a comfort object – A familiar blanket or stuffed toy can provide reassurance.
- Gradual transition – Move to a separate bed in stages, such as placing a mattress on the floor next to your bed before transitioning to a separate room.
- Keep bedtime routines consistent – A predictable routine makes any sleep change easier for babies.
Final Thoughts on Co-Sleeping Benefits
Co-sleeping has been a game-changer for me and many other parents. It’s about finding what works for your family and embracing the closeness that comes with those early years. Whether you co-sleep for a few months or a few years, the benefits are real—better sleep, easier Breastfeeding, and a deeper connection with your baby.
Have you tried co-sleeping? I’d love to hear about your experiences. Drop a comment below! If you find this guide helpful, share it with other parents who might be curious about co-sleeping benefits.