What Is Co-Sleeping?

Literally translated as “sleeping together”, the term co-sleeping or cosleeping in parenting refers to sharing a sleeping space between parents and baby, especially during the first months of life.

It is an ancient practice that has recently returned to the spotlight thanks to the growing desire to experience parenthood in a more empathetic, attentive way, closely connected to a newborn’s emotional needs.

But what exactly does co-sleeping mean? And above all: how can you practise cosleeping safely, without risks for your baby and while respecting the wellbeing of the whole family?

In this article, we will clearly and thoroughly explore the meaning of co-sleeping, its benefits, and some practical tips for adopting it safely.

When we talk about co-sleeping, we are not referring to just one way of sleeping: there are several different options. Some families choose bed-sharing, where the newborn sleeps next to the parents on the same mattress. Others opt for the so-called sidecar solution, which involves using an open crib placed next to the double bed, allowing physical closeness while still providing a separate sleeping space.

Finally, there is room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents, but in an independent cot or crib.

The choice to adopt co-sleeping often comes from the need to manage the newborn’s night wakings more easily, especially during the breastfeeding period. Physical closeness to a parent has a reassuring and regulating effect on the baby: contact with familiar smells, sounds and movements promotes a sense of protection and helps calm the baby more quickly.

Parents’ sleep, although still interrupted, may also benefit. With the baby close by, the time needed to get up, pick them up or comfort them is reduced, making it easier to return to rest during the night. Many studies also suggest that sleeping close together can strengthen the parent-child bond, positively influencing emotional development.

However, co-sleeping is not a choice without potential concerns. In some situations, it can expose the baby to avoidable risks, especially if practised without awareness or in unsafe conditions.

For this reason, it is important to practise cosleeping safely, avoiding potentially harmful behaviours. Here are the main rules to follow when introducing it correctly into your routine:

• Avoid bed-sharing when risk factors are present. Bed-sharing is not recommended if one of the parents smokes, has consumed alcohol or taken medication that affects alertness, or if the bed is not suitable, for example, with a mattress that is too soft or bulky pillows and blankets.

• Choose a sidecar crib. The sidecar system is an excellent solution: the newborn sleeps in close contact with the parents, but on an independent surface, reducing the risks associated with sharing the same bed. There are cribs specifically designed for co-sleeping, which are safe and height-adjustable.

• Always place the baby on their back. During sleep, the newborn should always be placed on their back, on a firm surface, without soft objects or toys around them.

• Keep the room at a suitable temperature. The room should be neither too hot nor too cold. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

• Never sleep with the baby on sofas or armchairs. These surfaces are among the most dangerous for co-sleeping, as they carry a high risk of falls and suffocation.

Following these precautions allows families to enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping without exposing the baby to avoidable risks. In any case, it is always advisable to speak with your paediatrician to assess the solution that best suits your family.

Co-sleeping can be a beneficial practice, but it requires care and awareness. Respecting safety rules, listening to your newborn’s needs, and consulting qualified healthcare professionals are the foundations for healthy, safe shared sleep.