When to stop co-sleeping, is 2 too old? Is 4?

Question

Getting comments from family that our 2.5 year old 'should be out of our bed by now'. But he's happy and we're mostly happy. Is there actually an age you're meant to stop, or is it just whenever suits the family?

Gemma Coe · Accepted Answer

Hi Aisha, There isn’t a set age by which a child should stop co-sleeping. At two and a half, or even at four, the more useful question is whether the arrangement is still working for your family. You’ve said that he is happy and you are mostly happy, which is a perfectly reasonable reason to continue. Family comments do not mean you need to make a change before you feel ready. It may be time to think about different sleep spaces if co-sleeping starts affecting anyone’s sleep, comfort or wellbeing, or if you simply begin wanting your own bed back. Sometimes families also choose to make a change because of a new baby, work patterns or because the child starts showing an interest in their own room. For now, if it is safe, everyone is sleeping reasonably well and it still feels right for your family, there is no particular age-related reason you need to stop. I hope that helps!

Yasmin · Answer

There's no rule, it's whenever it stops working for you lot. Tune out the comments. We moved ours at around 3 but only because I was pregnant and wanted it sorted before the new baby turned up, nothing to do with his age. Do it when you're ready and not before.

Joe · Answer

No magic number. Only thing I'd gently say is the longer you leave it the more of a habit it is to undo, so if a bit of you does want your bed back, starting sooner is a touch easier. But he's happy and we're mostly happy is a completely fine reason to carry on too.