How Different Cultures View Co-Sleeping: Global Parenting Practices
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When it comes to parenting, few topics spark as much conversation — or curiosity — as co-sleeping. While some parents worry about its safety, others see it as a natural way to bond. What’s fascinating is that views on co-sleeping vary dramatically around the world 🌐
In this article, we’ll explore:
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🛏️ What co-sleeping means
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🌍 How different cultures approach it
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💬 Why some societies promote it while others discourage it
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🧠 What research says about the benefits and risks
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🏠 How to choose what’s right for your family
Let’s take a journey around the globe to understand how co-sleeping is viewed — and practiced — in different parts of the world.
🛌 What Is Co-Sleeping?
Co-sleeping generally means that a baby sleeps close to a parent — either in the same bed (bed-sharing) or in the same room but on a separate surface (room-sharing).
While it’s often debated in Western parenting, co-sleeping has been the norm for centuries in many parts of the world. Some cultures view it as a practical and emotional necessity, while others consider independent sleep a key goal.
🇯🇵 Japan: Togetherness and Non-Disruption
In Japan, co-sleeping — or "kawa no ji" (meaning "river character" because of how the characters for mother, child, and father align like a river: 川) — is extremely common. Parents and babies often share futons on the floor, and children may sleep with parents well into early childhood.
Culturally, it's seen as:
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A way to promote emotional closeness
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A method to minimize night-time disruptions
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A natural part of family life, not a safety concern
Japanese homes also tend to be smaller, making co-sleeping more practical.
🇸🇪 Sweden & Scandinavia: Responsive Parenting, Flexible Sleep
In Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, the emphasis is on gentle, child-led parenting. Co-sleeping is widely accepted and often used during the newborn stage.
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Breastfeeding rates are high, making nighttime co-sleeping more convenient
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Co-sleeping is seen as a way to foster secure attachment
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Safety recommendations are followed (like using sidecar cribs or firm mattresses)
The Scandinavian model tends to balance emotional connection with practical independence.
🇮🇳 India: Multi-Generational Sleep Spaces
In India, co-sleeping is almost universal, especially in the early years. Families often live in multi-generational homes, and communal sleeping is a cultural norm.
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Babies may sleep between parents, with siblings nearby
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Room-sharing continues into later childhood
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It's considered the safest and most nurturing choice for infants
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Independence is valued later, not immediately after birth
Parents view co-sleeping as an extension of daily closeness and constant caregiving.
🇺🇸 United States: Independence and Safety First
In the U.S., the dominant narrative in modern parenting emphasizes independence and individual sleep training.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing but not bed-sharing for the first 6–12 months
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Sleep training methods (like Ferber) are widely used
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Co-sleeping is often discouraged due to safety concerns such as SIDS
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However, many families still secretly or openly co-sleep, especially during night feeds
There’s a growing community of gentle parenting advocates in the U.S. who support safe bed-sharing and attachment-based practices.
🇳🇬 Nigeria & African Cultures: Community-Centered Sleep
In many African countries, including Nigeria, co-sleeping is not only common — it’s expected.
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Babies are almost always with their mothers, day and night
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Sleep is a shared experience, often with multiple children or caregivers in the same room
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Co-sleeping supports breastfeeding and safety, especially in rural areas
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Parenting is a community effort, and closeness is highly valued
These cultural norms support constant proximity, which enhances trust and attachment.
🇫🇷 France: Balance Between Attachment and Routine
French parenting encourages early structure and sleep independence, but co-sleeping isn't taboo.
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Room-sharing is common in the early weeks
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Many parents practice co-sleeping during illness, teething, or regressions
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Night feeds are often limited with the belief that babies can “learn” to sleep through the night sooner
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There's a focus on routine and rhythm in daily life, including sleep
French parents often take a more pragmatic approach: do what works, but encourage boundaries.
🧠 What the Research Says About Co-Sleeping
Studies have shown:
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Co-sleeping reduces stress in babies and improves breastfeeding duration
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Safe bed-sharing (no soft bedding, firm mattress, non-smoking home, sober caregiver) can reduce night wakings
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Improper co-sleeping environments (like couches or waterbeds) increase the risk of SIDS and accidents
Experts now agree that with the right safety precautions, co-sleeping can be both nurturing and low-risk.
💡 Choosing What Works for Your Family
Every family is different — and what works in one culture or home may not feel right in another. Consider:
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Your sleeping arrangements and space
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Your baby's temperament and feeding needs
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Your cultural beliefs and values
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Your need for rest and your parenting style
Co-sleeping doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many families try:
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Room-sharing with a crib
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Bed-sharing for part of the night
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Transitioning gradually when baby is older
The best approach is the one that feels safe, loving, and sustainable for you 💞
🛒 Helpful Co-Sleeping Tools at Omomly.com
Explore our carefully curated parenting tools to support safe, gentle sleep:
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Sidecar co-sleepers and bedside bassinets
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Breathable sleep sacks and swaddles
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Printable sleep trackers and nighttime checklists
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Bedtime routine charts for toddlers
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Expert blog guides on sleep training, night weaning, and more
At Omomly, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all — just tools to help your journey.
🌙 Final Thoughts: Co-Sleeping Is Cultural, Personal, and Beautiful
Around the world, co-sleeping is a reflection of cultural values, emotional connection, and practical realities. Whether your baby sleeps in your bed, in a crib next to you, or in their own room, what matters most is connection, consistency, and safety.
Trust your instincts, explore what works for your family, and know that you are doing a wonderful job, no matter what sleep style you choose.
