As a sleep consultant, I know firsthand how room sharing with your baby can feel like both a blessing and a challenge. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing for at least the first six months (ideally up to one year) to reduce the risk of SIDS, it’s crucial to create an environment that promotes restful sleep for both you and your baby. If you're struggling with constant night wakings or an unsustainable sleep setup, you're not alone! Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of room sharing so your whole family can get the rest they need.
Can You Sleep Train and Bed Share? Everything You Need to Know
When bed sharing, babies often depend on feeding and close contact with a parent to fall asleep. This dependence usually extends to night wakings, where they need the same conditions to fall back asleep. Asking your baby to self-soothe and sleep independently while the things they rely on, such as nursing or physical contact, are right there but unavailable can be very confusing and counterproductive.