Co-sleeping, also called the family bed, is a practice in which babies and young children sleep with one or both parents. It is standard practice in many parts of the world outside of North America and Europe and was widely practiced in all areas up until the 19th century as well, until the advent of giving the child his or her own room and the crib. More recently, it has been re-introduced into Western culture by practitioners of attachment parenting.

Proponents believe that it promotes bonding, lets the parents get more sleep, facilitates breastfeeding, and protects against sudden infant death syndrome. Opponents charge that it is dangerous, due to the fact the parent may smother the child, and that it promotes an unhealthy dependence of the child on the parent.

Some common advice given is that a child should never sleep with a parent who smokes, is taking drugs that impede alertness, or is extremely obese. It is also recommended that the bed should be firm, and should not be a waterbed or couch; and that heavy quilts, comforters, and pillows should not be used. Furthermore, it is recommended that a baby should never be left unattended in an adult bed.

See also

• Sharing a bed