In much of the Western world, the message is clear: the baby should sleep in their own bed, ideally their own room, as soon as possible. But in Brazil and the rest of Latin America, the reality is entirely different. There, families sleep together — and it works very well.
Two Paths to Secure Attachment
Research from 2025 comparing sleep cultures globally reveals something interesting: children who cosleep with their parents in cultures where this is the norm develop equally secure attachment as children who sleep alone in cultures where that is the standard.
In Brazil, cosleeping is about closeness and availability. The child feels the parents' breathing, heartbeat, and warmth throughout the night. Attachment is built through physical proximity and immediate access to comfort.
In Western countries, attachment is built in a different way — through routines, predictability, and gradually learning to self-soothe. The child learns that parents come back, even when they are not physically present all night.
Neither Wins
What's fascinating is that neither approach is "better" than the other. The researchers emphasize that what matters is whether the practice is culturally normative. When cosleeping is what everyone does, it signals safety and belonging. When solo sleep is the norm, it signals trust and independence.
Problems arise when parents deviate strongly from what is common in their culture — whether that's a Brazilian parent pushing solo sleep against the family's wishes, or a Western parent cosleeping in secret and feeling shame about it.
What Does the Research Mean for Your Family?
The key takeaway is not that cosleeping and solo sleeping are interchangeable. It's that consistent, warm, responsive parenting builds secure attachment — and this can happen in many different sleeping arrangements.
What matters most:
- The sleep arrangement is safe (no smoking, no alcohol, firm mattress, no loose bedding with infants)
- The arrangement is consistent and not a source of stress or shame
- The parent responds warmly and reliably to the baby's needs
Safe Sleep Guidelines
The AAP recommends that babies sleep in a separate sleep surface (bassinet, crib, or play yard) in the same room as the parents for at least the first 6 months — ideally the full first year. Bed-sharing with infants is associated with an increased risk of SIDS, especially when combined with:
- Smoking (by either parent)
- Alcohol or sedating medications
- Soft sleep surfaces, pillows, or loose bedding
A bedside bassinet (sidecar crib) is a popular compromise — the baby is close and you can easily reach them for nighttime feeds, without sharing a sleep surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cosleeping safe?
The AAP advises against bed-sharing with infants due to the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), especially if parents smoke, have consumed alcohol, or take sedating medications. A bedside bassinet is a widely recommended alternative — the baby sleeps in their own space right next to your bed, giving you closeness without the risks of bed-sharing.
Does this research mean cosleeping is just as good as a crib?
The research shows that children who cosleep in cultures where it is the norm develop equally secure attachment as children who sleep alone. But this doesn't mean the practices are directly interchangeable in all contexts. The key is that the sleep arrangement is safe and consistent. In Western countries, AAP safe sleep guidelines recommend a separate sleep surface to minimize risk to the infant.
When can the baby move to their own room?
The AAP recommends that the baby sleep in the parents' room for at least the first 6 months. After 6 months, the baby can move to their own room if the family wishes. There's no single "right" time — what matters most is that the sleep environment is safe, wherever the baby sleeps.
What if my baby only wants to sleep near me?
Many babies prefer closeness during sleep, and that is completely normal. A bedside bassinet provides closeness without bed-sharing. Consistent sleep routines and gradual transitions can also help. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby's sleep patterns feel challenging — they can offer tailored guidance.