Sunny, the most important thing in being a parent is that you and your baby are both happy. What suits one family may be another family's idea of a horror show. Babies can be noisy little people when they sleep - they snore and snuffle and fart. Some people sleep through it and other wake up at every squeak. Until you're a mum you don't know what will work for you. I have heard of so many people who ended up doing the exact opposite of what they had planned.
Pinky McKay defines co-sleeping as the baby being within arms reach of its carer which means that a cot with the side off or a hammock next to the bed are both co-sleeping options. They also sell little bed capsules at Target now which are designed to go in your bed between you and your partner for bubs to sleep in.
There are safe guidleines for co-sleeping and its important to follow them. Most of the co-sleeping accidents you hear of are people who don't follow these guidelines.

I love this thread its great to see the diversity of parenting styles and needs - what some people love others can just do without and vice-versa.