Babies need a lot of sleep – up to 16 hours a day – and where they sleep is important to ensure they get the rest they need. Many parents wonder whether their baby should sleep alone or with them in the same bed. While it’s ultimately up to each family to decide what works best for them， here are some things to consider when deciding if your baby should sleep alone.
Safety: The biggest concern with bed-sharing is the risk of accidental suffocation， a leading cause of infant death. Review the safe sleep guidelines outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The guidelines recommend that infants sleep on their backs on a firm， flat surface， free of soft bedding， toys or other items.
Sleep quality: Many experts agree that babies sleep better when they sleep alone. This is because they are less likely to be disturbed by the movements or noises of parents， siblings， or pets. They may also be more likely to sleep for longer stretches， as they won’t be disturbed by the natural movement of a sleeping adult.
Attachment: Some parents worry that their baby will feel abandoned or unloved if they don’t sleep with them. However， research suggests that babies can form secure attachments with their parents， even if they sleep alone. In fact， some studies have found that babies who sleep alone may develop more self-soothing skills， which can help them feel more confident and independent as they grow older.
Practicality: It’s important to consider your family’s lifestyle and what is feasible for you. If you have a small bedroom， bed-sharing may not be practical， whereas if you have a larger space， it may feel more comfortable. Additionally， some babies may have medical conditions that require them to sleep alone or with a parent nearby for monitoring.
In conclusion， while each family must make their own decision on whether or not to have their baby sleep alone， there are important factors to consider. The AAP recommends infants sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months， if not the first year. Ultimately， the most important thing is that your baby is sleeping on a safe， flat surface， and that all caregivers are well-rested and able to provide the best possible care to your baby.
