The Natural Instinct to Co-Sleep
From an evolutionary perspective, co-sleeping with your baby is entirely natural. For thousands of years, babies have slept close to their parents for warmth, comfort, and protection. This proximity isn’t just emotionally comforting – it’s biologically ingrained. During the night, your baby instinctively seeks your presence, especially after a bad dream, during growth spurts, or while adjusting to new routines.
By sleeping close to your child – whether in a bedside crib, co-sleeper cot, or a spacious family bed – you’re creating a safe and nurturing sleep environment. This not only reassures your baby, but also makes night-time care easier and less disruptive for you. Breastfeeding becomes simpler, and both your and your baby’s sleep cycles tend to synchronise more smoothly.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Co-Sleeping
1. Stronger Parent-Child Bond
Night-time closeness helps release oxytocin – the “bonding hormone” – more intensely at night than during the day. This promotes emotional development and nurtures a deep sense of security.
2. More Restful Sleep
When your baby is nearby, you can respond quickly to their needs, reducing the time they spend awake and unsettled. You’ll both enjoy more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
3. Easier Night-Time Feeding
Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, co-sleeping means less getting up in the night and easier settling afterwards.
4. Cosier Sleepwear for All
To help everyone sleep more comfortably – especially during colder nights – many co-sleeping families love using adult baby sleeping bags. At Slumbersac, we offer cosy adult sleeping bags with feet designed specifically for parents who co-sleep with their children. They're perfect for staying snug without heavy bedding that might pose a risk to babies. They also make those middle-of-the-night wake-ups a little warmer and a lot more comfortable.
When It’s Time to Transition to Their Own Bed
While co-sleeping has wonderful benefits, there comes a time when you or your little one may need more space. Whether it's your toddler rolling over you in their sleep or you simply want to enjoy a more restful night, transitioning your child to their own bed is a natural next step.
There’s no universal age for this – some families make the move at 6 months, others wait until preschool age. What’s important is that the transition feels right for your family and is done with care.
Baby Sleep Tips: How to Gently Transition to Their Own Bed
Here are gentle, effective ways to help your baby or toddler feel confident and secure in their own sleep space.
1. Give Advance Notice
Talk to your child in advance about the change. Framing it as a milestone can help them feel proud of their new sleeping arrangements.
2. Make the Bedroom a Special Place
Create a sleep environment that feels like a safe and magical place to be. Soft night lights, their favourite characters on bedding, and familiar cuddly toys can make a big difference.
For active little ones who don’t like traditional sleeping bags, our Slumbersac sleeping bags with feet are a perfect solution. These innovative sleep bags allow your child to move freely while staying warm, making them ideal for toddlers transitioning to their own bed. They're also great for children who like to stand up, walk around before bed, or join you for a morning cuddle.
3. Start with Naps
Begin with daytime naps in their own bed to help ease them into the new routine. Once they feel comfortable, you can start trying night-time sleep too.
4. Phase the Transition
Start with a few nights a week in their own bed and gradually increase until it becomes their norm. You could even stay in the room for a little while to help them settle.
5. Reassure and Be Present
If your child wakes up and comes into your bed, gently return them to theirs. Let them know you’re always nearby and they are safe.
6. Allow Exceptions When Needed
Illness, nightmares, or major changes can be overwhelming for little ones. If they need extra comfort on tough nights, it’s okay to make exceptions without feeling like you’ve set back the progress.
Establish a Calming Bedtime Routine
Consistency and calmness are key. A predictable bedtime routine sends strong signals to your child’s brain that it’s time to sleep.
A great routine might include:
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A warm bubble bath
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A cosy cuddle while wearing a Slumbersac sleeping bag
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Reading a soothing story together
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Gentle lullabies or white noise
The aim is to wind down with love and connection, creating positive sleep associations in their new bed.
Support Your Child Through the Transition
This process isn’t always linear. Some children transition quickly; others need more time. Some sleep through the night within days, others take weeks or months. That’s completely normal.
If your child struggles, remind yourself: your goal isn’t just getting them to sleep in their own bed – it’s helping them feel safe and loved wherever they sleep.
There’s no rush. Sleep independence is a journey best walked at your child’s pace.
A Note on Safety and Warmth
Whether co-sleeping or transitioning to independent sleep, safety is paramount. Avoid loose blankets or heavy duvets in shared beds. Instead, opt for wearable sleepwear.
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Adult baby sleeping bags are a great way for co-sleeping parents to stay warm safely.
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Sleeping bags with feet give toddlers the comfort of a wearable blanket with the freedom to move.
At Slumbersac, we offer a range of high-quality, TOG-rated sleeping bags for all ages to keep your family cosy and safe year-round.
Co-sleeping offers many benefits in the early months and years – emotional bonding, better sleep, and easier night-time care. And when the time comes to help your child sleep in their own bed, a loving, gradual approach supported by routines and the right sleepwear can make all the difference.
There’s no “right” age or method. Just follow your instincts, and know that every small step brings your child closer to sleep confidence and independence.
