The Difference Between Co-Sleeping, Bed-Sharing and Room-Sharing
What exactly is the difference between co-sleeping, bed-sharing and room-sharing? These terms are often used interchangeably, so today I'm defining each one.
•Co-Sleeping: This can mean bed-sharing, room-sharing and even sleeping with an open barrier bassinet next to the bed (baby has their own sleep space, but could still end up rolling into parent's bed).
•Bed-Sharing: Exactly as it sounds, you share your bed with your baby, meaning the lay next to you or between you and your partner. No judgement zone here, but as a sleep coach, I follow safe sleep guidelines as recommended by the AAP, so this is not an option I recommend or offer while working with families.
✨Here is my own personal reason for not bed-sharing: I can recall a night where I was so exhausted from the numerous wake-ups with my second son that I fell asleep while nursing. I awoke to find myself hunched over him, completely unaware of how long we had been sleeping that way and was so scared! After that, I started making myself watch The Late Show on my phone while nursing at night to keep myself awake.
•Room-Sharing: This is the option recommended by the AAP for the first 6 months of baby's life. Room-sharing is where you baby sleeps in the same room as you, but in their own safe sleep space, such as a carib or bassinet.
Did you know that you can sleep train successfully while room sharing? You just might have to get a little creative! I have had families utilize room dividers, walk in closets or even their large master bath in order to give their baby some space!
The SlumberPod is also a great option and gives your baby their own “room” while still keeping them nearby. It creates a pitch black space, helping to you provide an optimal sleep environment. There are also spots to place a baby monitor as well as a fan. We love our SlumberPod and take it with us for the little guy when we travel because it fits perfectly over a pack n play. You can use the code: MINDFULSLEEP20 to get $20 off.
Yasmin
Have you been bed-sharing even though you hadn't planned to? If you’d like to make the switch and have baby sleep in their own space, reach out to me! I provide 1:1 support to help you and your baby make the transition to sleeping independently. Book a consultation with me below!