The Science Behind Co-Sleeping: Does It Help Babies Sleep Better?

The Science Behind Co-Sleeping: Does It Help Babies Sleep Better?

Sleep — or the lack of it — is one of the biggest challenges new parents face. If you're wondering whether co-sleepingmight be the answer to your baby's sleep struggles, you're not alone. 👶💤

While co-sleeping has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, it's still a hot topic in parenting circles. Is it safe? Does it help babies sleep longer? What does science say?

In this article, we’ll explore:

  • 🔍 What co-sleeping really means

  • 🧠 The science behind infant sleep and parent proximity

  • 📊 What studies say about co-sleeping and sleep quality

  • 🛏️ How to do it safely

  • 💡 Tips to make co-sleeping work for your family

Let’s dive into the facts behind the snuggles.

🛌 What Is Co-Sleeping?

Co-sleeping is an umbrella term that includes:

  • Bed-sharing: Baby sleeps in the same bed as a parent

  • Room-sharing: Baby sleeps in the same room, but on a separate sleep surface

  • Sidecar sleeping: Baby sleeps in a bassinet or crib attached to the bed

In many parts of the world, bed-sharing is the cultural norm. In Western countries, however, co-sleeping is often debated — with concerns about safety balanced against the benefits of closeness and convenience.

🧠 Why Babies Sleep Differently

Before understanding co-sleeping, it’s important to understand how babies sleep:

  • Newborns have shorter sleep cycles (about 50 minutes)

  • They wake frequently to feed, especially in the first 6 months

  • They spend more time in REM sleep, a lighter, more active sleep stage

  • They rely on caregivers to help regulate body temperature, breathing, and heart rate

So if your baby isn’t “sleeping through the night,” that’s normal — and even healthy.

🔬 What Science Says About Co-Sleeping and Better Sleep

Here’s what current research tells us about co-sleeping and sleep quality:

💤 1. Co-Sleeping May Help Babies Sleep Longer (Temporarily)

Several studies have shown that babies who co-sleep:

  • May fall asleep faster due to parental presence

  • Tend to have more total sleep during early months

  • Wake more frequently for feeds but return to sleep more easily

This is especially true in breastfeeding dyads, where the mother and baby’s sleep cycles can become synchronized.

🧬 2. Co-Sleeping Helps Regulate Baby’s Physiology

Sleeping near a caregiver helps stabilize:

  • Baby’s heart rate

  • Breathing patterns

  • Body temperature

This is particularly important for newborns and young infants, whose self-regulation systems are still maturing.

🧠 3. Proximity Supports Brain Development

Gentle touch, smell, and voice all stimulate neural connections. Babies who sleep close to their parents tend to experience:

  • Lower stress hormone levels (like cortisol)

  • Better emotional regulation over time

  • Stronger bonding and secure attachment

These benefits may support long-term emotional and cognitive development.

⚖️ But… Does Co-Sleeping Prevent Night Wakings?

Not exactly.

Even with co-sleeping:

  • Babies still wake up frequently (which is biologically normal)

  • Parents may notice wakings less because they're already nearby

  • Babies may resettle faster with a familiar scent or touch

So while co-sleeping may improve sleep continuity, it won’t eliminate night wakings altogether — and that’s okay. 💗

⚠️ Safety First: Guidelines for Safe Co-Sleeping

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for at least the first 6–12 months. However, many parents still choose bed-sharing — so it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines.

✅ Tips for Safer Bed-Sharing:

  • Baby should sleep on a firm mattress, never a couch or armchair

  • No loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals

  • Do not co-sleep if you’ve consumed alcohol, drugs, or sedating medication

  • Baby should always be placed on their back to sleep

  • Never co-sleep with smokers, even if they don't smoke in bed

You can also use a sidecar bassinet that attaches to your bed for closeness with more safety.

👪 What Works Best Depends on Your Family

Some families thrive with co-sleeping. Others prefer sleep training or separate rooms. The right approach is the one that:

  • Keeps your baby safe

  • Supports your family’s rest and mental health

  • Aligns with your parenting values

There’s no one-size-fits-all sleep solution — and that’s perfectly okay.

🛍️ Co-Sleeping & Sleep Support at Omomly.com

Looking for gentle sleep tools to support your co-sleeping journey?

Explore:

  • Printable bedtime routines to create consistency

  • Sleep trackers for night patterns and wake windows

  • Safe co-sleeping checklists for peace of mind

  • Swaddles and sleep sacks to improve baby sleep

  • High-contrast visuals to promote calm and focus at bedtime

Every product is designed with real-life parenting in mind 💕

🌙 Final Thoughts: Science Supports the Bond — and So Do You

The science behind co-sleeping shows us what parents around the world have known for centuries: babies thrive in close connection. While safe sleep practices must always come first, parental proximity at night has real benefits for both sleep and development.

Whether you co-sleep for a few months, a few years, or not at all — what matters most is a loving, responsive approachthat works for your family. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to do what feels right 💫

Back to blog

Best Sellers

View all