Safe Co-Sleeping Practices: Ensuring a Good Night’s Sleep for All 

Many new parents consider co-sleeping with their infant for several reasons. Learn safe co-sleeping practices that reduce the risk of harm to your baby.

WEB-837 – Safe Co-Sleeping Practices Ensuring a Good Nights Sleep for All

While generally discouraged, co-sleeping with a baby is a common practice for new parents, especially those who are exhausted and desperate for just a few hours of sleep. Research indicates that sharing a bed with your infant can be risky and may increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome. However, there are ways to minimize these risks and practice safe co-sleeping. Understanding the risks and benefits of co-sleeping can help you determine the proper sleeping arrangements for yourself and your infant. 

What Is Co-Sleeping? 

Not everyone refers to co-sleeping practices in the same manner. Sometimes, people use this term to describe a variety of sleep practices: 

  • Room-sharing - This practice is when an infant has a separate sleep surface but is in the same room as the caregiver.

  • Rooming-in - Rooming-in is a room-sharing practice that occurs in a hospital after an infant is born. When newborns "room-in," they sleep on their own separate sleep surfaces but near their parents while still in the hospital.

  • Bed-sharing - Bed-sharing is when a caregiver and an infant sleep in the same adult bed. Another term for bed-sharing is "surface sharing" since the caregiver and infant sleep together on the same surface. 

 Most pediatricians recommend that babies are safest if they are in the same room as their caregiver for the first six months as they sleep. Room-sharing with your infant but ensuring they have a separate sleeping surface makes it easier to check on them without leaving your bed. Room-sharing without bed-sharing may also reduce the risk of accidental nighttime injury and SIDS. 

Is Co-Sleeping With a Baby Safe? 

While experts strongly recommend room-sharing for infants, they do not generally recommend co-sleeping. The safest place for your infant to sleep is in their own separate space, such as a crib, bassinet or cot. However, many parents will co-sleep with their infant at some point, whether it is intentional or not. 
 
Sleep deprivation is the worst in the first few months after birth, leaving many parents tempted to try co-sleeping in the first place. Sometimes, the choice to bed-share stems from cultural norms and other factors. It's important to understand the risks involved and know how to create a safer space for your infant. 

When You Should Not Co-Sleep With a Baby 

In specific situations, co-sleeping can pose a greater risk to infants. Certain factors significantly increase the dangers associated with bed-sharing. Do not co-sleep with your infant if: 

  • You have consumed alcohol. 
  • You smoke or if your infant was exposed to smoking while in utero. 
  • You have taken any drugs or medication that may cause increased drowsiness. 
  • Your baby was delivered prematurely before 37 weeks, or their weight was less than 5.5 pounds at birth. 

In addition, it's important not to bed-share with multiple caregivers at the same time. Pets and other children should also not share the bed with you as you co-sleep. 

Safer Co-Sleeping Practices 

If you co-sleep with your infant, there are several things you can do to reduce the risks associated with this practice. 
Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol 
 
If you plan to share your sleep surface with your baby, do not smoke or drink alcohol before bed. Many cases of bed-sharing-related deaths have occurred when the caregiver was a smoker, drank alcohol or took medications before bed.  
 
Infants are at an increased risk of a fatal sleeping accident if they co-sleep with someone who has been drinking alcohol before bed. That is because these parents could unwittingly roll over onto their child and not realize it if they are impaired. Also, there is strong evidence of an increased risk of SIDS in infants whose mothers smoke. That is because secondhand smoke contains chemicals that may damage the infant’s lungs leading to suffocation.  

Clear Out the Sleep Area 

Remove anything loose or soft from the bed, including crib bumpers, blankets, toys, pillows and stuffed animals. There is a well-known association between soft bedding and toys and an increased risk of infant death. That’s because these items increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.  

Avoid Sleep Positioners  

Although certain infant sleep positioners claim to help reduce the risk of SIDS, many of them may actually increase the risk of injury. These devices may increase the risk of suffocation. In the U.S., there were at least 13 deaths due to these devices in a 13 year period. In a review by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration, it was found that deaths occurred after a baby became trapped between the crib and positioner or rolled over in the positioner.  

Place Baby on Their Back 

Infants should always be put on their backs while sleeping, even during short daytime naps. This placement reduces their risk of injury and suffocation. Research indicates that placing them on their back can also reduce their risk of SIDS, ear infections, congestion and fevers. Once your infant is old enough to roll over on their own, there is no need to worry about them turning over while asleep. 

Do Not Let Other Pets and Children in the Bed

The more people (and pets) there are in your bed, the higher the risk is of potential injury to your infant. A crowded sleeping arrangement is uncomfortable and increases the chances of accidents throughout the night. If you plan on co-sleeping with your baby, ensure that no one else shares the bed with you. 

Make Sure Their Face and Head Remain Uncovered 

Prevent overheating by ensuring your infant's head and face remain uncovered while they sleep. If you are concerned about them getting cold, you can dress them in appropriate sleep clothes or a wearable blanket. However, avoid using too many layers to keep them warm. You can monitor your baby's temperature by checking them occasionally for sweating or placing your hand gently on their chest. 

Clear the Area of Cords and Gaps 

If your infant is an active sleeper, cords can pose a significant choking hazard. If your bed lies close to a wall or other large furniture, your baby may roll at night and become wedged into a tight space. Ensure the space around your bed is free from all hazards, and reposition your sleep surface if necessary. 

Consider Offering a Pacifier 

Pacifiers can help keep your infant safe if you are co-sleeping because the sucking triggers their respiratory reflex, reducing any periods of newborn apnea. When choosing a pacifier, make sure that it is the appropriate size for your infant's mouth and age. One-piece designs are safer, while ventilation holes in the shield can reduce the risk of rash. 
 
While it is generally discouraged, safe co-sleeping can be possible as long as you follow all the guidelines to decrease the risk of injury to your infant. Talk to your child's pediatrician if you have further questions about co-sleeping. They can provide you with the information you need so you can make the safest choice for your baby.           

emily

Written by

Emily Mendez

Emily Mendez is a former therapist and mental health author. She is one of the leading voices in mental health. Emily's writing has appeared in eCounseling, SonderMind, and more. Emily is frequently interviewed by Healthline, Fatherly, INSIDER, Family Circle, and other national media for her advice and expert opinion on the latest mental health topics.

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