Co-sleeping is beneficial for helping children sleep through the night.

Benefits of Co‑Sleeping for Toddler Sleep

Co‑sleeping—where parents and toddlers share the same bed or sleep in the same room—has become increasingly popular. Although some view it as controversial, research shows that co‑sleeping can bring numerous positive effects for both children and parents. Below we look at how co‑sleeping can help toddlers sleep through the night and strengthen family bonds.

Advantages of Co‑Sleeping

1. Better Sleep Quality for Toddlers:
   • Co‑sleeping can lead to calmer, more consolidated sleep in toddlers. One study found that children who co‑slept experienced fewer night‑time awakenings and longer periods of restful sleep, which benefits their overall sleep quality and development (Hunsley & Thoman, 2002).
2. Strengthened Emotional Bonds:
   • Co‑sleeping fosters closer emotional ties between parents and children. Research indicates that children who co‑sleep with their parents often feel more secure and develop a stronger emotional connection to them, which can reduce anxiety and stress both day and night (Keller & Goldberg, 2004).
3. Promotion of Breast‑Feeding:
   • Co‑sleeping can make night‑time breast‑feeding easier and more convenient, which may extend the duration of breast‑feeding. Mothers who co‑slept with their babies found it simpler to feed at night, helping to strengthen the mother‑infant bond and support the baby’s nutrition and development (McKenna & McDade, 2005).
4. Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):
   • Evidence also suggests that co‑sleeping—especially room‑sharing without bed‑sharing—can lower the risk of SIDS. Studies show that babies who slept in the same room as their parents had a reduced SIDS risk, providing parents with extra peace of mind (McKenna et al., 1993).
5. Improved Sleep for Parents:
   • Co‑sleeping can also enhance parents’ own sleep quality. Some parents report sleeping better when they know their child is safe and close by, which reduces their night‑time anxiety and worry (Sidhoum et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Co‑sleeping can offer numerous benefits for both children and parents. From improved sleep quality and stronger emotional bonds to easier breast‑feeding and a reduced risk of SIDS, the research suggests that co‑sleeping can be a positive experience for the entire family. Parents should consider their own family’s needs and circumstances when deciding whether co‑sleeping is the right choice for them.