Although co-sleeping or the family bed was rarely heard of just a few years ago, the practice of parents or parents and children sleeping together is actually very old. Until well into the 20th century, it was common practice for the whole family to sleep together in at least one room, often even in one large bed – usually due to cramped living conditions. While co-sleeping and the family bed have since been forgotten in this country and have only been practiced more frequently again in recent years, in other cultures – especially among indigenous peoples – they are traditional sleeping habits that are firmly integrated into everyday family life.
What exactly is co-sleeping and the family bed?
Co-sleeping and family bed describe parents and children sleeping together in the same room – often in the same bed. The constellation can be very different: both parents or just one parent with one or more children, in one large bed or in several beds in the same room. The term family bed or co-bedding is usually used for lying together in one bed, while co-sleeping also includes extra beds.
What are the benefits of co-sleeping in a family bed?
Co-sleeping and the family bed promote social bonding between parents and child. Newborns and infants in particular generally always seek to be close to and talk to their mother, as she is both a source of nourishment and offers them protection. During physical contact and breastfeeding, oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone, is released in both mother and child. The hormone has a calming, relaxing and comforting effect. It also strengthens trust between the mother and her baby.
Sleeping in a bed not only has physiological benefits. It also improves the quality and duration of sleep, as breastfeeding mothers can adjust more easily to their baby’s waking phases, needs and hunger. Many mothers simply continue to nap while breastfeeding their baby and thus get significantly more sleep than mothers whose children are in their own room.
It’s not just the relationship between mother and child that benefits from co-sleeping and the family bed – the relationship with the father is also intensified by the time spent together at night.
If you would like to find out more about oxytocin and its influence on our sleep, you can find lots more information and helpful tips in the article Oxytocin – How the cuddle hormone ensures relaxed sleep.
Large family beds – variants, sizes and ideas
Large family beds are particularly popular because they offer everyone involved sufficient space and freedom of movement, ensuring more comfort and more relaxed nights. Depending on requirements and family size, they are available in different widths: often 240 cm, 270 cm or even 300 cm wide. Some manufacturers also offer modular solutions, in which several mattresses can be combined to create a particularly generous sleeping surface.
In addition, many families opt for individual do-it-yourself solutions that can be perfectly adapted to the available space. Self-built bed frames or self-made mattress combinations turn the family bed into a tailor-made and cozy retreat. The result is a sleeping space that grows with the family and adapts to changing needs.
It is always important to choose the right mattress: different sizes and firmness levels ensure that all family members can sleep comfortably and healthily. billerbeck also offers mattresses in many sizes and designs that are ideal for large family beds or flexible combinations.
Influence of co-sleeping and family bed on children’s development
A widespread opinion is that children are spoiled by sleeping together or in a family bed and are less independent than children who sleep alone in their own room from an early age. A study from 2004 showed that children who were placed in the nursery from infancy were more likely to fall asleep without supervision and also sleep through the night more regularly. Breastfeeding also generally ended earlier for children who slept alone.
On the other hand, children who were allowed to sleep in the family bed as infants are often more independent and self-reliant. They find it easier to socialize with their peers and make friends more quickly. Many of them used to be able to dress themselves independently and were also more advanced in other practical matters.
What needs to be considered with co-sleeping and family beds?
The child’s welfare comes first. Especially with small babies, co-sleeping and family beds should only be practiced under certain conditions. A safe sleeping environment for the child is always essential to minimize the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Falling off the bed, entrapment or rolling over by the parents must be prevented at all costs. In addition, parents should not smoke or consume alcohol or other drugs.
It is advisable to put the child to bed in a sleeping bag so that only one parent is lying next to them. Blankets, pillows or soft toys should not be near the sleeping baby. Particularly soft mattresses or even waterbeds are not suitable for a family bed or co-sleeping. A so-called co-sleeper, which can be attached directly to the parents’ bed, can be a practical option to ensure a safe sleeping environment during co-sleeping.
Large family beds should also be designed to provide a safe environment for babies and toddlers and give everyone enough space to sleep undisturbed.
Family bed – until when does it make sense?
Many parents also ask themselves: Until when does co-sleeping or the family bed make sense? There is no general answer here. The child’s needs and the family’s ideas are decisive. Some families enjoy co-sleeping for many years, others want to switch to separate beds earlier. It is important that the transition is made lovingly and that the child feels safe and secure. Experts recommend paying attention to the child’s signals and involving them in the decision about when to move to their own bed or room. Large family beds can also be a transitional solution to gently prepare for the move.
Co-sleeping – always an individual decision
Every family must decide for themselves whether co-sleeping or a family bed is an option for them and in what form. The question of up to what age children should sleep with their parents also always depends on individual needs.
If you want to try out co-sleeping or a family bed, you should inform yourself well beforehand and make sure that all safety aspects are met so that sleeping together is as comfortable and safe as possible for parents and child. Because here too: A GOOD DAY BEGINS AT NIGHT.
Our recommendation for your family bed
The right equipment is crucial for restful nights in the family bed or when co-sleeping. Because only when all family members are lying comfortably and safely, sleeping together will really be a relaxing and soothing experience. Mattresses in the right size, individually tailored firmness levels and high-quality materials play an important role here. We have put together a few selected recommendations here that make sleeping as comfortable as possible for parents and children and turn the family bed into a cozy retreat for the whole family.
A good mattress is essential for maximum comfort in the family bed. The memory foam mattress HERMINE® adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and provides pressure-relieving, supportive sleeping comfort in all sleeping positions. Available in various sizes and firmness levels.
To keep everything hygienic and easy to care for, we recommend the hard-wearing and breathable mattress cover WASH STAR. It is removable, washable at up to 95 °C and reliably protects the mattress, which is a practical solution, especially when sleeping with small children.
The kids pillow CHARMANT is perfect for the little ones. It is flat and extra soft, gently supports the head and ensures a child-friendly lying position in the family bed or co-sleeper. The easy-care and house dust allergy-friendly pillow is also washable at up to 60 °C and can be tumble dried.
