Ashwin Lewis
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, is the practice of sleeping with your baby close by. For some parents, this means having their baby in bed with them, while others use a separate sleep surface for their baby, such as a bassinet or co-sleeper. Co-sleeping is a standard practice in many parts of the world, and even in countries where cribs are commonly used, a significant minority of parents co-sleep. While co-sleeping can be a great way to bond with your baby, it is a controversial topic, with opponents citing concerns about the risk of suffocation or the development of unhealthy dependencies. There are also many bedside sleeping devices on the market that allows parents to sleep close to their children, such as the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, which attaches to the side of an adult bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Co-sleeping is a practice in which babies and young children sleep close to one or both parents, as opposed to in a separate room. |
| Bed-sharing | A practice in which babies and young children sleep in the same bed with one or both parents. |
| Co-bedding | Infants (usually twins or multiples) sharing the same bed. |
| Risks | Parents may inadvertently crush or suffocate their child, or the baby may fall to the floor or get wedged between the bed and the wall. |
| Precautions | Babies should be kept on their back, not their stomach. Young children should not sleep next to babies under nine months old. |
| Cultural aspects | Bed-sharing is standard practice in many parts of the world outside of North America, Europe, and Australia. |
| Benefits | Keeping the child warm at night, saving babies' lives, promoting bonding, and enabling parents to get more sleep. |
| Concerns | Stressful for the child, promoting unhealthy dependence, and increasing the likelihood of the child crawling into the parents' bed past infancy. |
| Co-sleeper products | Bedside bassinets, sidecar sleepers, bed top co-sleepers, side rails, co-sleeping infant enclosures, separate sleeping bags, wahakura (woven basket), and electronic bassinets. |
| Considerations | Space available, adjustability, height of the bed and mattress, and breathability (e.g., mesh sides or wooden slats). |
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What You'll Learn
Co-sleeping safety
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, is a practice in which babies and young children sleep close to one or both parents, as opposed to in a separate room. There are several products that claim to facilitate safe co-sleeping, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to ensure the baby's safety.
One of the main concerns with co-sleeping is the risk of suffocation or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended that infants always sleep on their backs, on firm, clean surfaces, and that their heads should never be covered. The sleeping area should be free of any soft objects, such as stuffed animals, pillows, or fluffy bedding, as these can increase the risk of suffocation. It is also important to ensure that the mattress fits tightly into the bed frame to prevent gaps or spaces that the infant could get trapped in.
Another concern is the risk of a parent rolling over onto the baby during sleep, especially if the parent is a heavy sleeper, over-tired, or obese. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended that the baby is placed on a separate surface, such as a bassinet or co-sleeper attached to the side of the bed, rather than directly in the adult bed. Additionally, both parents should be aware of the infant's presence in the bed and take responsibility for their safety.
Co-sleeping products, such as bedside bassinets, sidecar sleepers, and bed-top co-sleepers, can provide a safer alternative to sharing an adult bed. These products often have barriers on three sides to prevent the baby from rolling off and provide a separate sleeping surface. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines and choose products that meet US safety standards, such as those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
It is also important to consider the potential benefits of co-sleeping, such as increased bonding, easier breastfeeding, and improved sleep for both parents and infants. Traditional and cultural bed-sharing practices have been found to reduce the risk of SIDS for certain populations, and breastfeeding has been shown to protect infants from SIDS and other health conditions. Ultimately, the decision to co-sleep should be made by taking into account the specific circumstances, risks, and benefits for each family.
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Bedside bassinets
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns up to six-month-old babies sleep in a safety-certified bassinet, crib, or play yard in their parents' room. Bedside bassinets are often favoured due to their compact, portable size and shallow sleep area, which makes it easy to lift out a just-awakened baby. They are generally designed for use from birth up to around six months, with specific weight and skill limits for each model.
When choosing a bedside bassinet, it is essential to consider safety features such as a firm, flat surface, stability, and ease of assembly and disassembly. Some bassinets offer additional features such as storage, sound and motion functions, and aesthetic appeal. The Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet, for example, is known for its spacious interior and ample storage, while the Halo BassiNest 3.0 offers a 360-degree swivel feature and vertical height adjustment for optimal positioning over the bed.
It is important to note that the term "co-sleeper" can be misleading, as it may imply actually sharing a bed with the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend bed-sharing due to the risks associated with infant sleep-related deaths, including SIDS, accidental suffocation, and strangulation. Instead, "bedside sleeper" is a more appropriate term for these products, emphasising the separate sleeping surface for the baby while still allowing close proximity to the parents.
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Bed-sharing vs co-sleeping
Bed-sharing and co-sleeping are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Bed-sharing refers to when a baby or child sleeps in the same bed as their parents, whereas co-sleeping is a broader term that refers to sleeping in close proximity, which can mean room-sharing or bed-sharing.
Bed-Sharing
Bed-sharing is a standard practice in many parts of the world, and it has been re-introduced into Western culture by practitioners of attachment parenting. Bed-sharing has several benefits, including keeping the child warm at night, saving babies' lives (especially in conjunction with nursing), and promoting bonding. It is also practical for parents who breastfeed, as older babies can breastfeed during the night without fully waking their mother.
However, bed-sharing comes with risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns against bed-sharing because it increases a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The AAP recommends room-sharing with separate sleeping surfaces until the baby is at least 6 months old, as this is protective against SIDS. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends that infants aged 1 and under sleep on their backs in a crib alone, with no blankets, to prevent suffocation.
Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping can make night wakings and feedings easier to manage. It also helps promote breastfeeding, regulate breathing, and decrease the likelihood of SIDS. However, experts say that co-sleeping could make it harder for babies to learn to self-soothe, as they may become dependent on having a parent in the room to fall asleep.
There are several products on the market that claim to facilitate safe co-sleeping, such as bedside bassinets, sidecar sleepers, and co-sleeping infant enclosures. However, these claims are not evidence-based, and the AAP maintains its recommendation of room-sharing without bed-sharing.
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Co-sleeping products
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, is a practice in which babies and young children sleep close to one or both parents. There are several products that claim to facilitate safe co-sleeping with infants, but these claims are not evidence-based. Here are some co-sleeping products:
Bedside Bassinets
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns to 6-month-old babies sleep in a safety-certified bassinet, crib, or play yard in their parents' room. A bassinet or co-sleeper (bassinet with a drop-down side) is often the most appealing choice due to its compact, portable size and shallow sleep area, which makes it easy to lift out a just-awakened baby. The Halo BassiNest 3.0 has a 360-degree swivel feature and vertical height adjustment, allowing you to position it directly over your bed.
Bedside Sleepers
Bedside sleepers attach directly to the side of an adult bed and are open to the parent's side, with barriers on the other three sides. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper is an example of a bedside sleeper, although it has been criticised for its hospital-like appearance and noisy nylon material.
Bed Top Co-Sleeping Products
These are designed to prevent the baby from rolling off the adult bed and to absorb leaks.
Side Rails
Side rails are used to prevent the child from rolling off the adult bed.
Co-Sleeping Infant Enclosures
These are placed directly in the adult bed and act as a barrier to prevent the baby from rolling over or being suffocated.
Separate Sleeping Bags
Specially designed sleeping bags for parents and infants prevent covers from being inadvertently pulled over the baby's head.
Wahakura
A wahakura is a simple woven basket that allows babies to sleep safely in the same bed as their parents.
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Co-sleeping benefits
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, is a practice in which babies and young children sleep close to one or both parents, as opposed to in a separate room. Co-sleeping can be facilitated by a variety of products, such as bedside bassinets, sidecar sleepers, and co-sleeping infant enclosures. While there are concerns about the safety of co-sleeping, there are also several benefits associated with the practice. Here are some advantages of co-sleeping:
Breastfeeding Facilitation: Co-sleeping makes it easier for mothers to breastfeed during the night without fully waking up. This arrangement can also promote successful breastfeeding, which has various health benefits for the baby.
Bonding and Attachment: Sleeping in close proximity allows parents and babies to bond and promotes a secure relationship. This secure attachment can lead to better emotional regulation in parents and foster their children's independence as they grow.
Better Sleep for Parents: While co-sleeping may result in lighter sleep for adults, it can also lead to longer overall sleep duration since parents don't have to get out of bed to feed or soothe the baby. Well-rested parents can make better decisions and are generally more capable of providing sensitive and responsive care.
Temperature Regulation: Babies who co-sleep with their parents can benefit from sharing body heat, helping them maintain a more stable body temperature. This is especially advantageous in colder climates or seasons.
Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): In cultures where co-sleeping is the norm, incidents of SIDS are often lower or even non-existent. The presence of an adult can help monitor the baby's breathing and create a safer sleeping environment.
Enhanced Child Development: Co-sleeping can positively impact a child's affective and psychomotor development. The physical closeness, touch, and sensory interaction associated with co-sleeping can promote synaptogenesis, the rapid growth of connections between neurons in newborns.
It is important to note that while co-sleeping offers these benefits, it should be practiced safely. Parents should follow guidelines to ensure the baby's safety and well-being during co-sleeping.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping is a practice in which babies and young children sleep close to one or both parents, as opposed to in a separate room. Bed-sharing is a subset of co-sleeping, where babies and young children sleep in the same bed as their parents.
Proponents of co-sleeping argue that it saves babies' lives, promotes bonding, and enables parents to get more sleep. It is also standard practice in many parts of the world outside of North America, Europe, and Australia.
Opponents of co-sleeping argue that it is stressful for the child and can lead to unhealthy dependence on the parents. There is also a risk of the baby falling off the bed or getting suffocated by the parents, especially if they are heavy sleepers or obese.
Some alternatives to co-sleeping include using a bassinet, crib, or play yard in the same room as the parents. There are also co-sleepers that attach to the side of the bed, providing a separate sleeping surface for the baby while keeping them close.
