Can Co-Sleeping Cause Sleep Problems Later On? What Experts Say

May 25, 2025

Co-sleeping is a comforting and convenient practice many parents embrace during the early stages of their baby's life 👶❤️. The closeness, warmth, and ease of nighttime feeding make co-sleeping feel like the most natural choice.

But as your baby grows, many parents begin to wonder:
Can co-sleeping cause sleep problems later on? 🤔

In this article, we’ll explore what pediatric sleep experts say about the long-term effects of co-sleeping, signs it may be impacting your child’s sleep, and how to transition to independent sleeping when the time is right ✅.

🛏️ What Is Co-Sleeping?

Co-sleeping refers to sleeping close to your baby at night. This includes:

Bed-sharing 🛌: Baby sleeps in the same bed as one or both parents.
Room-sharing 🧸: Baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet in the same room.

👉 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing for the first 6–12 months to reduce the risk of SIDS 🩺 but advises against bed-sharing due to safety risks.

😴 Does Co-Sleeping Affect Sleep Later On?

Here’s what child sleep experts and studies have found:

1. 😩 Struggles With Self-Soothing

Children who co-sleep for a long time may rely on parental presence to fall or stay asleep. This can lead to:

Night wakings 🌙
Trouble falling asleep alone 😫
Resistance at bedtime 😤

🧠 “Children who co-sleep for long periods often struggle with self-soothing, which is an essential sleep skill,” says Dr. Craig Canapari, pediatric sleep specialist at Yale.

2. 🚧 Harder Transition to Independent Sleep

The longer your child co-sleeps, the harder it can be to move them to their own bed 🛏️. This may create separation anxiety or bedtime battles.

3. 🔁 Inconsistent Sleep Routines

If your baby’s sleep depends on your schedule or presence, it could disrupt consistent bedtime patterns 🕘.

4. ❤️ But It’s Not All Bad

Co-sleeping can:

Strengthen parent-baby bonds 🤱
Support nighttime breastfeeding 🍼
Help baby feel safe and calm 🧡

So, co-sleeping isn’t inherently harmful — it depends on how and when it’s done ✅.

🔄 When Should You Stop Co-Sleeping?

Consider transitioning your baby when:

They’re over 12 months and still can't fall asleep alone ⏳
You’re not sleeping well as a parent 😴
Baby is overly dependent on your presence 😢
You want to develop a healthier sleep routine for everyone 🧘♀️

🌙 How to Transition Gently from Co-Sleeping

Here’s how to help your little one sleep independently — without stress:

🧸 1. Create a Cozy Sleep Space

Make your baby’s new bed warm, safe, and comforting. Use soft lighting, white noise 🌬️, and familiar bedtime objects.

📚 2. Build a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Stick to the same calming steps every night — bath, books, lullabies 📖🎶.

👣 3. Try Gradual Withdrawal

Sit by their bed until they fall asleep, then slowly reduce your presence night by night 🪄.

🤍 4. Comfort Without Reinforcing Dependence

Soothe with voice or touch if they wake, but gently guide them to stay in their own bed 🧘.

🧠 Expert Insights: What the Research Says

Studies have linked extended co-sleeping to:

More frequent night wakings 🌙
Difficulties falling asleep solo 😵💫
Sleep resistance in toddlers and preschoolers 🧒

But cultural and family dynamics matter. Co-sleeping is not always negative, especially when combined with healthy sleep habits 💪.

💡 Final Thoughts

If co-sleeping works for your family and everyone is well-rested — that’s okay! 🙌 But if sleep issues arise, transitioning to solo sleep can be a loving and positive step.

✨ Remember: Teaching your baby to sleep independently is a journey. With patience, structure, and comfort, your little one will thrive — day and night 💤.