For many parents, co-sleeping – the practice of sleeping with your child in either the same room or the same bed – seems like a no-brainer. This makes sense, as co-sleeping is common both in the US and in diverse cultures throughout the world. But new research into children's sleep is revealing that co-sleeping may not be as common sense as we once thought, and if you're a new parent, it's crucial to understand the benefits, risks, and best practices around co-sleeping. At 5 Little Monkeys, we're here to help parents everywhere ensure healthy, restful sleep for their child, both through our mattress for kids and beyond. Here's our advice on the proper age and best practices of co-sleeping.
Co-Sleeping and Babies
When you first bring home your newborn from the hospital, it's understandable that you'd want to cuddle them 24/7 – but be careful. As it turns out, sharing a bed is NEVER ok for infants under the age of 12 months. This is because bed-sharing increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When your child is less than one year old, they should be sleeping in an empty crib, free of pillows or blankets. It's alright to sleep in the same room as your child, but never have them share a bed with you.
Co-Sleeping Best Practices
After infancy, the science surrounding co-sleeping isn't as clear-cut. Co-sleeping isn't necessarily harmful during childhood, and the practice should be seen as one element of your child's overall sleep hygiene. That said, research shows that having children sleep on their own does tend to lead to better sleep and health outcomes later in life. Children who sleep on their own tend to develop fewer sleep problems, being able to fall asleep easier, sleep longer and with fewer interruptions, wake up more easily, and develop fewer future sleep problems than those who co-sleep with parents. Generally speaking, it's best for children to sleep in their own room and in their own bed, without a parent present.
However, co-sleeping isn't an absolute no-no. The research is still unclear, and if your child's overall sleep hygiene and health are strong, co-sleeping doesn't necessarily present a problem. As to when a child becomes too old for co-sleeping, there are no exact guidelines. Research suggests that the sooner you can start the transition towards solitary sleeping, the better – but every child is different, and it's always best to be gentle, gradual, and patient throughout the process.
Try Our Children's Mattress Today
Overall, the science on co-sleeping is mixed. While research suggests some negative effects, it's just one part of your child's overarching sleep hygiene – and one of the most important elements of that sleep hygiene your child's bed. Most children's beds fail to meet the needs of growing bodies, preventing the sound, deep sleep your child needs to grow and develop. But the 5 Little Monkeys sleep system aims to change this. Want to see the difference that truly healthy, restful sleep can make in your child's life? Try the best kids mattress risk-free today!