Can Co-Sleeping and Sleep Coaching Work Together? Yes—Here's How
Co-sleeping and sleep coaching don’t have to be at odds. In fact, they can work beautifully together—especially when your approach is child-led, attachment-focused, and tailored to your family’s values.
I talk to a lot of parents who are curious about improving their baby’s sleep, but feel stuck. They love the closeness and benefit of what that co-sleeping brings in those early months… for some families, co-sleeping is how they bond, how they nurse more easily and how they get any rest at all in the newborn phase 0-6 months. But as baby grows and gets more mobile and alert, sometimes things in the co-sleeping arrangement start to shift and it is no longer “as easy” as it once was…for example, , maybe their baby is waking every hour, needing to nurse back to sleep, or only settling for one parent. Maybe no one is sleeping well anymore in the co sleeping arrangement..
And yet the fear is real: “Sleep coaching means giving up co-sleeping, right?”.....Not necessarily.
Let’s unpack how co-sleeping and sleep coaching can absolutely coexist—and even thrive—when the plan is respectful, responsive, and aligned with your parenting philosophy.
First, Let’s Define What We Mean by “Co-Sleeping”
Co-sleeping can look like:
Bed-sharing: baby sleeps in the same bed as one or both parents
Room-sharing: baby has a separate sleep space (crib, bassinet, floor bed) in the same room
Floor bed setups: where the baby sleeps on a low mattress, often with a parent nearby
Many families begin co-sleeping intentionally—and others find themselves there out of sheer exhaustion. Either way, it’s a deeply personal choice. And like all parenting decisions, it’s okay for it to evolve.
You Can Honor Attachment and Improve Sleep
Here’s the truth: supporting your child’s sleep does not mean abandoning your parenting values.
You can:
Maintain your nursing relationship
Continue room-sharing or using a floor bed
Respond to your child with love and consistency
Move at a pace that feels right for you
In fact, the most successful sleep coaching plans are those that are customized to your unique situation—not one-size-fits-all methods that push harsh timelines or ignore your baby’s cues.
A truly child-led, attachment-honoring approach supports secure bonding and healthy, independent sleep.
The Turning Point: When Co-Sleeping No Longer Works
For many families I support, co-sleeping was working—until it wasn’t.
They tell me:
“We loved co-sleeping for the first few months. But now he wakes up every hour and I’m not functioning.”
“I’m ready for some space again, but I don’t want to traumatize him.”
“We want sleep support, but everything we read online makes us feel judged.”
Sound familiar?
This is where a gentle sleep coaching approach can be transformative—not because it forces a change, but because it supports the transition you're already feeling called to make.
What Does Child-Led Sleep Coaching Look Like?
Child-led doesn’t mean waiting endlessly for sleep to magically improve. It means:
Respecting your child’s temperament (especially alert babies who need structure)
Making gradual, loving changes based on readiness
Offering support when needed—and pulling back when possible
Prioritizing drowsy but awake at bedtime so your child learns to self-soothe, with you nearby as needed
We often start with small shifts: adjusting the bedtime routine, introducing a predictable sleep window, gently reducing crutches like nursing or rocking once the child is ready.
We take baby steps—literally and figuratively.
Real Families, Real Results
One of my recent clients beautifully illustrates how co-sleeping and sleep coaching can work together. This family had planned to co-sleep and loved it—until their baby began waking every hour and no one was getting rest. Mom still wanted to nurse, and they had a floor bed setup they didn’t want to give up.
We created a customized plan that introduced gentle coaching while honoring their goals. Within a couple of weeks, their baby was falling asleep independently, sleeping through the night, and still enjoying a warm, connected bedtime routine. No crying it out. No guilt. Just steady progress.
“I thought I’d have to give up co-sleeping entirely to get sleep help. Joanna met us where we were and helped us build better sleep habits without sacrificing connection.”
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Sleep and Attachment
If you're feeling like you're at a crossroads—yearning for more sleep but afraid of what that might mean—take heart. You don’t have to sacrifice your values to improve your baby’s sleep. You just need the right support, the right tools, and a plan that puts your family at the center.
Whether you continue co-sleeping or transition to independent sleep, you can do so with gentleness, clarity, and confidence.
You are the expert on your baby. Sometimes you just need someone to walk alongside you—offering guidance, reassurance, and a clear path forward.
Please know that I do NOT advocate the "cry-it-out" method. As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach, I emphasize a guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching process that respects your child's developmental needs.
Let’s work together to restore peaceful nights for your family. Contact me today and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with information on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Join the "Sleep is Bliss Tribe"
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.