Bed-sharing, the practice of sleeping with your baby in the same bed, has been a topic of ongoing debate. While some parents find it comforting and beneficial for bonding, it’s crucial to be aware of the associated risks, especially for infants under 12 months of age.
Many times, when your baby doesn’t sleep well, and you find that only contact sleep is soothing enough, you might think about co-sleeping. Let me tell you that I read many things about how to do it safely even before I got certified in baby sleep safety. And yes, there are ways to do it safely, but let’s first see what you should not do. I tried co-sleeping and ended up pulling the bed mattress on the floor, with no blankets, no pillows, just me and the baby dressed lightly. However, the baby didn’t sleep better unfortunately. I think she was just going through a sleep regression at that time. But at least I tried everything possible. So I totally get moms that do it, and I want to tell you what’s the safest way so your baby is protected.
1. The Risks of bed sharing or co-sleeping
As a certified in sleep safety my obligation is to give you the warning on the risk of doing so.
- Suffocation: This is the most significant risk, as soft bedding, pillows, and even an adult’s body can obstruct the baby’s airway.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Bed-sharing has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, particularly in babies under 4 months old or those born prematurely.
- Entrapment: Babies can become trapped between the mattress and headboard/wall or in the bed frame, leading to suffocation.
- Falls: Infants can easily roll off an adult bed, causing injuries.
- Overheating: An adult’s body heat can raise the baby’s temperature, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Stats:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that bed-sharing increases the risk of sleep-related infant deaths by 5 to 10 times.
- A study published in Pediatrics found that the risk of SIDS is 5 times higher when babies sleep on an adult bed compared to a crib.
2. Co-Sleeping: What NOT to do
- Don’t bed-share if you or your partner smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs: These substances can impair your sleep and increase the risk of accidents.
- Don’t bed-share on a soft surface: Waterbeds, sofas, or beds with soft mattresses and pillows increase the risk of suffocation.
- Don’t bed-share with other children or pets: They can accidentally roll onto the baby or disrupt their sleep.
- Don’t bed-share if your baby was born prematurely or has low birth weight: These babies are at a higher risk of SIDS.
- Don’t dress your baby too warmly: Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid sleeping on sofas or armchairs: These surfaces pose a high risk of suffocation or entrapment.
- No arm under the child’s neck: This position can obstruct the baby’s airway as seen in the image below.
- No preterm baby co-sleeping: Preterm babies have higher risks and should not co-sleep. They require more controlled environments.
- Do Not place the baby between parents: This increases the risk of suffocation and overheating.
- No gaps between mattress and board or wall: Ensure there are no gaps where the baby could get trapped or suffocate.
- No bumpers (folded towels): Ensure a smooth sleeping surface, baby can suffocate.
3. Co-Sleeping: Safer Practices (if you choose to do so)
- Place your baby on their back: This is the safest sleep position for infants.
- Use a firm mattress: Avoid soft mattresses, waterbeds, and sofas.
- Keep the bed free of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals: These can obstruct the baby’s airway.
- Dress your baby in light sleep clothing: Avoid overbundling to prevent overheating.
- Consider a bedside co-sleeper: This attaches to the side of your bed, providing a separate sleep space for your baby while still keeping them close.
- Breastfeed your baby: Studies suggest breastfeeding may reduce the risk of SIDS, even when bed-sharing.
- Position the Baby at Breast Level: This reduces the risk of the baby moving up and getting trapped under pillows or blankets.
- Ensure Only Parents Are in Bed: Do not allow older children or pets in the bed with the baby.
- Use the C-Curl Position: Parents should lie on their side in a C-shape around the baby, with knees up and arm above the baby’s head, creating a protective space.
Important Note: The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard on a firm, flat surface, free of soft objects. Read more about safe sleep and watch video on cosleeping best practices.
