Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

The Co-Sleeping Controversy: What Parents Are Getting Totally Wrong | @cosleepy

14 snips
Jan 9, 2026
Guest
Tiffany Bellinger
In this engaging discussion, Tiffany Bellinger, founder of CoSleepy and co-sleeping advocate, dives into the science behind why babies thrive on closeness. She shares safe co-sleeping practices, debunks misconceptions, and discusses the biological benefits of proximity, such as enhanced bonding through oxytocin. Tiffany addresses stigma surrounding co-sleeping, critiques mainstream sleep training, and emphasizes its role in supporting breastfeeding. This insightful conversation reevaluates a controversial parenting choice with evidence-based alternatives.
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INSIGHT

Co-Sleeping Is Historically Normal

  • Co-sleeping has been the global human norm and only shifted in parts of the West in the last ~150 years.
  • Cultural emphasis on independence and self-soothing drove much of the modern separation-from-parent sleep model.
ADVICE

Avoid Sleeping With Baby On Sofas

  • Never co-sleep on a couch, sofa, recliner, or rocking chair because those surfaces greatly increase accident risk.
  • Bring the baby into a cleared, firm bed and lie on your side facing them to sleep more safely.
ADVICE

Skip Co-Sleeping When Impaired

  • Avoid co-sleeping if you smoke, are intoxicated, or are taking sedating medication that impairs responsiveness.
  • Use a firm mattress and remove pillows, blankets, and soft surfaces that can obstruct a baby's breathing.
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