Where Is Bed Sharing Common

For the overwhelming majority of mothers and babies around the globe today, cosleeping is an unquestioned practice. In much of southern Europe, Asia, Africa and Central and South America, mothers and babies routinely share sleep.

What countries have bed share?

In most of southern Europe, Asia, Africa and Central and South America, parents share their bed with their babies (and toddlers and children!). Canada and the U.S. are among the only countries in the world where people think it’s acceptable or desirable to have babies sleeping alone.

Is it normal for a 12 year old to sleep with their parents?

Recent studies indicate that near epidemic proportion of children are co-sleeping with parents today. According to Parenting’s MomConnection, a surprising 45% of moms let their 8- to 12-year-olds sleep with them from time to time, and 13% permit it every night. Subscribe to our parenting newsletter.