Hi, I\u2019m Sarah, a mum of two. I\u2019ll be honest\u2014before having kids, I never thought I\u2019d 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\u2014not just for my babies but for me, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re considering co-sleeping or are just curious about what it\u2019s like, I\u2019m here to share my experience and its science-backed benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Co-Sleeping?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Co-sleeping means sleeping near your baby. This can include:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
• Bed-sharing<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 When your baby sleeps in the same bed as you.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Sidecar arrangement<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 When a cot or bassinet is placed right next to your bed.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Room-sharing<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 When your baby sleeps in the same room but in their sleep space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  <\/p>\n

  There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all approach, and families choose different methods based on what works for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

  Co-Sleeping Benefits for Babies and Parents<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

  Co-sleeping isn\u2019t just about convenience\u2014it offers a range of emotional, physical, and developmental benefits for both parents and babies.<\/span><\/p>\n

  1. Better Sleep for Everyone<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

  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.<\/span><\/p>\n

  2. Supports Breastfeeding<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

  If you\u2019re 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 <\/span>more sleep than<\/span><\/strong> those who don\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

  3. Strengthens Parent-Child Bond<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

  There\u2019s something deeply reassuring about hearing your baby\u2019s soft breathing and feeling their warmth nearby. Co-sleeping <\/span>reinforces the parent-child connection<\/span><\/strong>, giving babies a sense of security that can lead to greater independence as they grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

  4. Helps Regulate Baby\u2019s Breathing and Heart Rate<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

  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\u2019s breathing, body temperature, and heart rate, reducing the risk of sleep-related issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

  5. Eases Separation Anxiety<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

  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.<\/span><\/p>\n

  Is Co-Sleeping Safe?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

  One of the most common concerns about co-sleeping is safety. While there are risks if it\u2019s not done properly, following safe sleep guidelines can make co-sleeping a secure and positive experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

  Here\u2019s how to <\/span>co-sleep safely<\/span><\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n

  \n
  • Use a firm mattress<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Avoid soft surfaces like couches, which increase the risk of suffocation.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Keep pillows and blankets away from the baby<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Dress your baby in appropriate sleepwear instead.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Lay babies on their backs<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 This is the safest sleep position for infants.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Avoid bed-sharing if you smoke, drink alcohol, or take sedating medication.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Consider a sidecar cot<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 If bed-sharing feels risky, a bedside cot allows for closeness while maintaining separate sleep spaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Co-Sleeping Myths Debunked<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Despite the benefits, co-sleeping comes with a lot of myths. Let\u2019s clear up a few misconceptions:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cCo-sleeping makes babies too dependent.\u201d<\/span><\/strong> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019ll never sleep in their bed.\u201d<\/span><\/strong> Most children naturally transition to their own space when they\u2019re ready. In many cultures, co-sleeping is the norm, and children eventually move to their beds without issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s not safe.\u201d<\/span><\/strong> Co-sleeping can be unsafe if done incorrectly, but it can be a healthy and beneficial sleep arrangement when parents follow safety guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to Transition from Co-Sleeping<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While some families co-sleep for years, others prefer to transition their child to independent sleep earlier. If you\u2019re thinking about making the shift, here are some tips:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
    • Start with naps<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Encourage your baby to nap in their sleep space first.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Use a comfort object<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 A familiar blanket or stuffed toy can provide reassurance.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Gradual transition<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Keep bedtime routines consistent<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 A predictable routine makes any sleep change easier for babies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Final Thoughts on Co-Sleeping Benefits<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Co-sleeping has been a game-changer for me and many other parents. It\u2019s 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\u2014better sleep, easier Breastfeeding, and a deeper connection with your baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

      <\/p>\n

      Have you tried co-sleeping? I\u2019d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Hi, I\u2019m Sarah, a mum of two. I\u2019ll be honest\u2014before having kids, I never thought I\u2019d 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2043,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2039","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2039"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2039\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2039"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2039"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pdsaustralia.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2039"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}