Research

The Science of Family Sleep

Evidence-based articles on co-sleeping safety, child psychology, breastfeeding, and the global culture of family sleep. Written by researchers, reviewed by experts, designed for parents.

EL

Dr. Emma Lindqvist

Sleep Science Editor — Ph.D. Developmental Psychology, Uppsala University

Dr. Emma Lindqvist is a sleep science researcher and parenting journalist based in Stockholm. With over a decade of research into infant sleep patterns and family well-being at Uppsala University, she brings a uniquely Scandinavian perspective to the global conversation about how families sleep. Her work has been featured in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, Pediatrics, and the Journal of Sleep Research.

All Articles

Mother and infant sleeping peacefully together in a safe co-sleeping arrangement
Science

The Changing Science of Co-Sleeping: Why Medical Guidelines Are Evolving

For decades, Western medical guidelines took a simple position: never share a bed with your baby. But as cross-cultural data accumulates and the science matures, a more nuanced picture is emerging — one that may surprise you.

14 min2026-03-10
Parent and child sharing a tender moment of connection during bedtime
Science

How Co-Sleeping Shapes Your Child: The Psychology of Shared Sleep

Critics claim co-sleeping creates dependent children. The research tells a different story — one of secure attachment, lower stress hormones, and children who grow into more confident, independent adults.

13 min2026-03-08
Diverse group of parents and children representing the global co-sleeping community
People

10 Co-Sleeping Advocates and Experts You Should Know

From pioneering researchers who changed the science to social media educators reaching millions of parents, these are the voices leading the conversation about safe, informed co-sleeping.

15 min2026-03-05
Peaceful nursery setup showing both room sharing and bed sharing options
Guide

Room Sharing vs. Bed Sharing: Understanding the Complete Picture

The distinction between room sharing and bed sharing is central to every sleep safety guideline — yet it's frequently misunderstood. Here's what the evidence actually says about each approach.

11 min2026-03-01
Mother breastfeeding her baby in a comfortable family bed setting
Science

Co-Sleeping and Breastfeeding: The Biological Connection

Dr. James McKenna coined the term 'breastsleeping' to describe what millions of mothers already knew: breastfeeding and co-sleeping are not separate behaviors but a single, integrated biological system.

12 min2026-02-25
Clean, well-organized family bedroom with a large bed set up for safe co-sleeping
Guide

How to Set Up the Safest Possible Family Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide

You've decided to co-sleep. Now what? This step-by-step guide walks you through every decision — from mattress selection to pillow placement — based on guidelines from UNICEF, La Leche League, and leading sleep researchers.

10 min2026-02-20
Global map concept representing diverse family sleeping traditions around the world
Culture

Co-Sleeping Around the World: How Different Cultures Approach Family Sleep

If you think sleeping alone is normal, you're in the global minority. Across most of the world — and for most of human history — families have slept together. Here's what we can learn from them.

11 min2026-02-15
Spacious modern bedroom with an oversized family bed as the centerpiece
Culture

The Oversized Bed Revolution: Why Families Are Going Bigger

The global bed market is experiencing a quiet revolution. Families are rejecting the standard king and demanding more space. Here's what's driving the shift — and what it means for how we sleep.

10 min2026-02-10
Child's bedroom with a Montessori floor bed, showing a gentle transition from family sleeping
Guide

When It's Time: Gently Transitioning Your Child from the Family Bed

Every co-sleeping journey has a natural endpoint. The good news? Children who feel secure in the family bed tend to transition to independent sleep more easily — when they're ready.

9 min2026-02-05
FAMBED 280cm family bed - Editor's Choice for Best Oversized Bed System 2026
Guide

Why FAMBED Won: Editor's Choice Among 15 Oversized Bed Brands Worldwide

We reviewed 15 oversized bed brands from 8 countries. One brand won on flexibility, value, and design. Here's the full verdict.

8 min2026-03-15

Looking for the Right Family Bed?

Our comprehensive brand comparison reviews 15 oversized bed brands across 8 countries with real customer reviews, transparent pricing, and honest assessments.