Co-Sleeping and Sleep Training: Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?

I completely get it — really, I do. As a mother myself, I know that instinctive, almost primal need to stay close to your baby. It’s as if something deep in our DNA compels us to keep them near, a protective instinct that feels less like biology and more like pure love. The kind of love that makes you want to hold them, touch them, and be with them every second of the day.

And honestly, the baby isn’t complaining. There’s something so natural, so comforting—so maternal — about sleeping next to your little one that it almost feels crazy not to.

Co-sleeping and sleep training are two parenting approaches that often seem at odds. Many parents love the closeness and connection that comes with co-sleeping, but they also dream of uninterrupted, restful nights. So, is there a way to have both?

The short answer: It depends on what you mean by "both."

I know many parents who co-sleep and absolutely love it. Some even share their bed with more than one child—and if it’s working for them and they’re doing it safely, I say co-sleep your heart out!

But I’ve also talked with many families who started out loving co-sleeping… until the reality hit. The feet in their face, the elbows in the ribs, the 2 a.m. wake-ups (and 3 a.m., and 4 a.m.). They’re exhausted and wondering if sleep training can help their little one stop the constant squirming, nursing all night long, or waking up every hour on the dot.

And here’s the honest answer: What your child needs is the skill to fall back to sleep on their own when they wake—and that’s exactly where sleep training comes in.

I truly wish I had a more satisfying answer for those parents—because believe me, I get it. The dream scenario? Snuggling next to your baby all night and getting a full night’s sleep. That would be the best of both worlds, no doubt about it.

Sleep training, at its heart, is about teaching your baby how to fall back to sleep on their own when they naturally wake during the night. That’s a simplified explanation, but it really is the core of what we’re working toward.

So yes, teaching independent sleep skills can absolutely help improve your little one’s sleep. But the results are typically far more consistent and effective when your child is sleeping in their own space, free of the distractions (and temptations!) that come with sharing a bed.

If you’re feeling hesitant about giving up those magical morning cuddles in your bed—I get it. That connection is beautiful and deeply comforting for both of you!

Here’s a gentle alternative that works wonder: Set aside 15 to 20 minutes each morning after your child is up and well-rested to bring them into your bed. Snuggle, sing songs, play, laugh—soak up all that sweet connection!

This way, you still get to enjoy that closeness and bonding, without building sleep associations that can make nights more challenging. It becomes a special part of your day instead of something that disrupts your night.

And if you’ve been co-sleeping for a while and are ready to reclaim your space—but your little one has other plans—please know you don’t have to navigate the transition alone. You can book your free sleep Assessment call clicking on the button below.