Cosleeping

Cosleeping can be defined as children sleeping in the same bed with their parents (especially mothers) or siblings in early childhood. The practice of cosleeping/bed sharing is not necessarily related to the cultural beliefs or socioeconomic status of the family; it is, however, a major developmental experience for most children across the world. It is widely believed that cosleeping promotes and maintains mother–infant physical closeness, which is biologically a normal practice and not inherently unsafe. This entry presents the history of cosleeping; an account of the controversy surrounding the practice; types of cosleeping; and the risks, benefits, and possible future of cosleeping.