Co-sleeping: they slept happily and had beautiful dreams together

To sleep or not to sleep with your baby — that is the question. We answer this big question by listing the benefits of co-sleeping. Advantages, WHO recommendations, safety rules…
You'll have all the information you need to decide whether this co-sleeping method is right for you!

Co-sleeping: what is it?

The term co-sleeping refers to sharing sleep with your baby. In contemporary European societies, babies typically have their own room from birth, where they are expected to sleep alone. With co-sleeping, the infant sleeps in the parents' room during the first weeks and even the first months of life.

In fact, two practices fall under the co-sleeping umbrella:

1. Parents and baby share the same space, each in their own bed. The baby is in their cradle or bassinet, on their mattress, close to the parents' bed.
2. Parents and baby sleep side by side, with a special co-sleeping baby cot placed next to the parents' bed. In this case, it is advisable to follow certain rules that we will share below.

Co-sleeping around the world

So, is co-sleeping a common practice or, on the contrary, an unusual one? Well, it depends on where in the world you are! In Asia, Africa, and Northern countries (Sweden and Norway, for example), co-sleeping is very widespread. Most families are accustomed to sleeping together.
In Europe, sleeping with your baby is somewhat less normalized. This practice often suffers from persistent stereotypes… Many people fear that this form of attachment parenting causes long-term dependency of the child on their parents. So, myth or reality? In fact, studies tend to prove the opposite! By responding to the child's physiological needs, parents send a clear message: "You can count on us." This bond of attachment strengthens the toddler's sense of security and self-confidence. As a result, young children develop their independence more easily. Yet even among professionals and specialists, opinions continue to diverge. So what should you do? Let's listen to the WHO and list the benefits of co-sleeping.

WHO Recommendations

What does the WHO, the World Health Organization, say? The WHO recommends keeping your child in the parents' room during the first six months of life, in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Indeed, a baby kept close means more alert parents. Of course, parents who prefer to sleep without their baby should not feel guilty. It is a personal choice, just like breastfeeding. Our article is here to help you make an informed decision, based on your wishes and needs.

The benefits of co-sleeping
In practical terms, what are the advantages of sharing the parents' bedroom?

• A more restful sleep
  Some parents feel reassured by being so close to their baby. They can hear them, keep an eye on them… and are alerted at the slightest suspicious sound. This is also the main reason.
• Easier feeding — breast or bottle
  Having the baby close at hand means fewer back-and-forth trips to feed a baby who wakes several times a night. As a result, wake-ups are lighter for everyone. No need to go to the other end of the house to pick up your baby, feed them, and put them back down. Breastfeeding mothers get better sleep… and better milk production. Bottle-fed babies and their parents also benefit from this closeness.
• A secure baby
  Finally, with co-sleeping, the baby feels safe and secure. Often, they synchronize their breathing with their parents'. In short, a true cocoon for peaceful nights. Of course, some parents see these advantages as drawbacks… Sharing a bedroom can feel like a sacrifice of parental intimacy. But let's be honest: between the postpartum period and the sleepless nights that often come with a newborn, we vote for anything that makes life easier. Co-sleeping can be one of those things!
  

The WHO recommends keeping your child in the parents' room during the first six months of life, in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome

Co-sleeping safety rules

But be careful! To practice co-sleeping safely, it is nonetheless important to follow a few safety rules:

• Baby must have their own bed
  You should not sleep directly in the same bed as your baby, as you risk crushing or suffocating them. That is why it is recommended to opt for a co-sleeping cot.
• Bye bye alcohol
  Co-sleeping, alcohol, and medication don't mix! If you are taking sleeping pills or have had (too much to) drink, do not sleep with your baby.
• Bye bye pillow
  Prevent the risk of suffocation and ban pillows, small blankets, stuffed animals, and any other textiles that could smother the baby in their cot or yours.
• Keep the right temperature
  Finally, dress your baby lightly and do not overheat the room. The ideal temperature is 18°C.

Our co-sleeping cot, the KODO

If you are tempted by the co-sleeping experience, discover our new KODO co-sleeping cot! We designed it to make your nights with a newborn easier, while preserving the aesthetic of your bedroom. Because a co-sleeping cot doesn't have to be made of plastic to be practical! And a beautiful piece of furniture will also leave lovely memories in your family photos… This beech wood cot with rounded shapes attaches right next to the parents' bed. It is height-adjustable to fit perfectly with adult beds (up to 200 cm). The cherry on top: like all Charlie Crane furniture, the KODO cot was designed to stand the test of time. It is therefore adaptable and will transform into a charming little bench once your baby has grown.

So don't hesitate and go for #kodopourtous!