Baby in her own bed

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There are families who enjoy a family bed every night, and there are many happy, well-adjusted and contented babies sleeping in their own beds – and almost every option in between.

The reality is that where your baby sleeps is a personal choice best made after you consider your own family’s needs and situation. A growing number of parents are now choosing to bring their baby into their bed. However, there is nothing wrong with wanting your baby to sleep in her own bed from the start.

Advantages of a baby bed

Parents who put their baby to bed in a cot would point to the following advantages:

• You can make a cot a very safe place for sleeping – there is little danger of injury, suffocation or smothering when a baby’s cot meets Australian Standards, is well maintained and is set up correctly (see Choosing a cot and Safe sleeping).
• You get better sleep – babies sleep very lightly and their movements can disturb a co-sleeping parent.
• It’s easier for your baby to sleep away from you at a child care centre or in the care of a friend or relative if she is used to settling in her own bed.
• It's easier to start her off in her own bed than to transfer her at a later stage (particularly if you decide you need to do this before she wants her own bed).

A cot in your room

Having your baby’s cot in your room, next to your bed, is another option if you wish to be close to your baby at night for safety and convenience.

A cot next to your bed allows you to be close, to be able to respond quickly when she wakes, and to be able to check on your baby when you want to during the night. 

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