Co-sleeping – Everything you need to know
A family bed is a bed in which parents and children sleep together. This may sound unusual to some, but it is the norm in many cultures and has a long tradition. When you consider the benefits of so-called co-sleeping, it certainly seems like a great solution for some families – perhaps it’s something for you and your family too!
Benefits of co-sleeping
1. Security & bonding: The family bed creates a sense of security and closeness, which in turn leads to stronger bonds between all family members.
2. Practical & flexible : A family bed saves space, particularly during the baby and toddler years, as everyone sleeps in the same room. Later on, the cot can easily be moved out or converted once more space becomes available.
3. Relaxed breastfeeding : Night-time breastfeeding can be done straight in the family bed. You don’t have to get up, your baby is soothed more quickly and everyone continues to sleep more peacefully.
4. Better sleep: Thanks to closeness, cuddles and short distances at night, parents and child usually sleep more peacefully and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Disadvantages and challenges of co-sleeping
1. Less privacy for parents : Couples have fewer opportunities to spend time alone, which can affect intimacy and sleeping habits.
2. Space requirements in the bedroom & costs : A proper family bed takes up a lot of space and often requires special mattresses, gap fillers or safety rails – which can be expensive.
3. Restless sleep possible : More people mean more movement and noise, which can disrupt sleep.
4. Difficult transition to their own bed : Children who sleep in a family bed for a long time sometimes need more time to get used to their own bed.
5. Consider safety aspects : We explain below what you absolutely must bear in mind to ensure your child can sleep peacefully and safely in the family bed.
Safe co-sleeping: What you need to know
Ifyou’ve decided to co-sleep, there are a few things to bear in mind. We answer the most important questions and show you how to make co-sleeping work successfully.
At what age is a co-sleeper suitable?
Many experts recommend that babies sleep in their parents’ bedroom, but not in the same bed, during the first few months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For breastfeeding mothers, however, being close to their baby is often practical. It is important to consider the child’s safety and ensure that they are able to sleep safely in the family bed.
Is the family bed safe for my child?
Many parents avoid a family bed for fear of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Opinions in the scientific community are divided on whether a family bed increases or actually reduces the risk of SIDS. We’ve put together a few tips to help you ensure your little ones’ safety in the family bed.
- Use a firm mattress and close any gaps or cracks between beds or mattresses.
- Avoid using too many blankets, pillows and soft toys to reduce the risk of suffocation
- .
- Use a safety rail
- . Do not
- place
- your baby between you, but at one side of the bed.
Sleeping Safely in the Children’s Bedroom
We’ve got even more tips for a safe night’s sleep in your child’s bedroom. You’ll find out how to make your child’s bedroom not only cosy but also safe – from fall protection and toxin-free materials to eliminating potential hazards.
Who sleeps where?
You can place the cot against the wall or in the middle of the room, depending on what works best. It is safest for the baby to lie between a caregiver and either the edge of the bed (with a safety rail) or the wall – not between both parents. Siblings should not sleep right next to the baby to avoid unintentional movements.
Which mattress is suitable for a family bed?
For a family bed, use one large mattress that offers enough space for everyone, or place several mattresses side by side. It’s important that you and your loved ones have enough space in the family bed. That’s why it’s often recommended to allow 90–140 cm for each family member aged 6 and over, and 60–70 cm for younger children. When buying several mattresses, make sure they are all the same height so that they form a single, large sleeping surface. In addition, a topper, such as a waterproof mattress protector, could be a good idea; this ensures that the joins between the mattresses are not noticeable and protects the mattress itself from minor accidents. When it comes to pillows and duvets, we recommend a separate set for each family member, tailored to their individual needs. For babies and toddlers, you should avoid decorative and unnecessary pillows and duvets due to the risk of suffocation.
The perfect setup for a
family bed
Family bed with one child : 1 x 180cm double bed and 1 x 90cm
single bed Family bed with two children: 1 x 180cm double bed and 2 x 90cm single beds or 2 x 180cm double beds
How can I stop my child from falling out of bed?
A sturdy safety rail is recommended – particularly during the ‘crawling months’ between 9 and 13 months, when babies become more mobile. There are various solutions available, ranging from permanently fitted safety rails and bolted-on bed edges to padded barriers. Make sure there are no gaps where your child could get stuck.
When
should you wean your child off the
family bed?
To wean a child off the
family bed
, a gradual approach is recommended. It’s important to be patient and support your child – for example, by having them spend the night in their own bed in the same room as a first step. We’ll show you when and how best to manage the transition to their own bed.
How to create your perfect family bed
You can either buy a ready-made family bed – there are now specialist suppliers offering large family beds in various widths. These models are comfortable and ready to use straight away, but are often quite expensive.
A flexible and more cost-effective alternative is to combine several beds or bed frames. This allows you to customise the width and length of your family bed – and separate the beds again later if needed, when your child moves into their own room.
When making your choice, be sure to ensure that the bed frame is slim and not too bulky. Wide frames or high edges interrupt the sleeping surface and create dangerous gaps. Box-spring beds or low-profile frames are particularly well-suited if you’re placing several beds side by side.
To prevent a gap from forming between two mattresses, special mattress wedges are available. This wedge closes the gap between two mattresses, ensuring a continuous sleeping surface. Such a ‘bridge’ enhances both comfort and safety in the family bed.
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