cosleeping

Cosleeping, or co-sleeping, is the practice of a parent sleeping in close proximity to an infant or young child. This can involve sharing the same bed or sleeping on a nearby surface such as a sidecar crib or bassinet attached to the adult bed. Cosleeping arrangements vary by culture, family preference, and child age.

Proponents cite benefits such as easier nighttime feeding, faster response to distress, and strengthened bonding. In many regions, cosleeping is an established norm and can be part of infant care practices that emphasize proximity and responsiveness.

Safety considerations are central to debates about cosleeping. Bed-sharing with an infant has been associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation, particularly for very young infants, those born prematurely, or when the caregiver is a smoker, has consumed alcohol or sedating drugs, or uses soft bedding. Health organizations generally recommend room-sharing on a separate sleep surface for at least the first six months and up to one year, while advising against bed-sharing in many circumstances.

If cosleeping is pursued, safety measures include keeping the infant on their back, using a firm, flat sleep surface, avoiding pillows, heavy blankets, and soft toys, and ensuring the bed has no gaps or entrapment hazards. Some families use a sidecar bassinet or crib placed next to the bed to retain proximity while reducing risk.