Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Sleeping close to your little one seems innocent enough.
After all, what’s sweeter than cuddling up all night with your baby?
Here are answers to the most common questions parents have about co-sleeping and bed-sharing.
What is co-sleeping, and what is the difference between co-sleeping and bed-sharing?
Bed-sharing means sleeping in the same bed as your baby, or sharing the same sleeping surface.
In other words, bed-sharing is one way of co-sleeping.
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What do supporters of co-sleeping say the benefits are?
Some say the added snuggle time can help you feel closer to your baby, too.
But those things don’t make bed-sharing safe or a good idea.
And in fact, families can reap the same benefits and more with room-sharing.
Those aren’t the only pros of room-sharing.
The most important benefit is that it can help lower the risk of SIDS by up to 50 percent.
What are the cons of co-sleeping?
Every parent understands why bringing your baby into bed is tempting.
Not to mention those cuddles!
But bed-sharing can be dangerous, so avoid the temptation.
The risk of SIDS also goes up if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Ultimately, sleeping with your baby on the same surface is not safe at any time.
Can you sleep train while room-sharing with your baby?
This ritual isn’t a healthy long-term strategy for your baby (or for you!
Sleep training isn’t healthy or appropriate foryounger babies or newborns.
Remember that sleep training is a personal decision that may or may not be right for your family.
Sleep training with your baby in the same room can be a challenge, but it is possible.
Here’s how:
When should you stop room-sharing?
Beyond that, the answer onwhen to stop room-sharingcomes down to what feels right for your family.
These kinds of issues can continue into toddlerhood, leading to more bedtime battles and less sleep for everyone.
It’s perfectly fine to continue room-sharing if everyone is happy with the status quo.
