Bed-sharing, also known as co sleeping with baby, is the practice of sleeping in the same bed as your infant. It’s been a topic of ongoing debate among parents, pediatricians, and sleep experts. While many families find it beneficial for bonding and easier nighttime feedings, it’s crucial to understand both the benefits and risks—especially when considering co sleeping with infant under 12 months of age.
Why Parents Consider Co-Sleeping
Often, when your baby struggles to sleep alone and only contact sleep seems to soothe them, co sleeping with a newborn may feel like the only option. Personally, I read extensively about how to safely co sleep with newborn long before I got certified in baby sleep safety. And yes, there are ways to do it safely—but it’s important to understand what you should not do first.I once tried co-sleeping myself by pulling the mattress onto the floor, removing blankets and pillows, and keeping just me and my baby dressed lightly. Unfortunately, my baby didn’t sleep better—it turned out to be a sleep regression. But I can confidently say I tried everything, and I fully understand why moms consider safe co sleeping with newborn. So let’s talk about how you can co sleep safely if you decide to.
1. The Risks of Bed-Sharing or Co-Sleeping
As someone certified in infant sleep safety, I’m obligated to give a clear warning about the potential dangers of co sleeping with baby:
- Suffocation: Soft bedding, pillows, or even an adult’s body can obstruct a baby’s airway.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The risk increases significantly, especially for babies under 4 months old or those born prematurely.
- Entrapment: Babies can become trapped between the mattress and the wall, headboard, or frame.
- Falls: Infants can roll off the bed and get injured.
- Overheating: An adult’s body heat can raise the baby’s temperature, which is a known SIDS risk factor.
Statistics:
- 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 in Pediatrics found that SIDS risk is 5 times higher when babies sleep in an adult bed versus a crib.
2. Co-Sleeping: What NOT to do
- Don’t co-sleep if you or your partner smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs – these can impair your responsiveness.
- Don’t bed-share on a soft surface – avoid sofas, waterbeds, or cushy mattresses.
- Don’t sleep with other children or pets in the bed – the risk of accidental injury is too high.
- Don’t co-sleep with a premature or low birth weight baby – their SIDS risk is significantly higher.
- Avoid overheating – dress your baby in light clothing and avoid heavy blankets.
- Never sleep on sofas or armchairs with a baby – these are among the most dangerous co-sleeping scenarios.
- Don’t place your arm under the baby’s neck or head – this can obstruct their airway.
- 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.
