Herbie Murray
Co-sleeping is a highly debated topic that has divided experts and parents alike. It involves a child sharing a bed or room with their parents or caregivers. While some believe that co-sleeping helps with breastfeeding and bonding, others argue that it can be dangerous and increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The decision to co-sleep depends on various factors, and parents must be well-informed about the potential risks and benefits to make the choice that best suits their family's needs.
Characteristics and Values of Co-Sleeping
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Co-sleeping is a broad term that includes both bed sharing and room sharing. |
| Benefits | Co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding, make it easier to respond to babies during the night, and be good for bonding with babies. |
| Risks | Co-sleeping is associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. |
| Recommendations | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing without bed sharing. The Lullaby Trust recommends that babies sleep in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. |
| Safety Tips | Keep the baby's sleep space clear of pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other items that could cause strangulation or overheating. Place the baby on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface. Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, use alcohol or drugs, or if the baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight. |
| Research | A 2004 study of 83 preschoolers found that children who co-slept were more likely to be independent, self-reliant, and confident. A 2002 study of 205 families showed no difference in sleep problems or mental health between children who bed-shared and those who didn't. |
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What You'll Learn
Co-sleeping can reduce the risk of SIDS
Co-sleeping is a broad term that includes both bed sharing and room sharing. While the general consensus is that room sharing is safe and recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS, bed sharing is controversial and can be dangerous.
A survey of over 3,400 new parents by The Lullaby Trust revealed that 9 in 10 co-sleep with their baby, but only 4 in 10 were advised by a health professional on how to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is worrying, as some parents surveyed admitted to co-sleeping in hazardous circumstances, such as sleeping on a sofa or armchair, which can increase the risk of SIDS by up to 50 times.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing without bed sharing. They advise that babies sleep on their back, in the parent's room, close to the parent's bed, but on a separate surface like a crib or bassinet. This arrangement should last for at least the first six months after birth, and the surface should be firm and not indent when the baby lies down.
If you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to make it safer. Keep your baby's sleeping area clear of pillows, loose sheets, blankets, or any items that could cover their head or cause overheating. Additionally, ensure there are no gaps between the mattress and the wall or headboard where your baby could become trapped. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and if you have long hair, tie it up to prevent it from wrapping around their neck.
While co-sleeping can be comforting and beneficial for breastfeeding, bonding, and settling, it's important to be aware of the risks and take precautions to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby.
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Bed-sharing can increase the risk of SIDS
Co-sleeping is a broad term that includes both bed-sharing and room-sharing. While co-sleeping can have benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks involved, especially when it comes to bed-sharing.
Bed-sharing has been associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). An 8-year study found that the risk of SIDS was three to four times greater for infants who bed-shared. The risk was even higher for infants with low birth weight, whose mothers smoked, or when the combined tog value of clothing and bedding was higher. Another study found that the risk of SIDS was greater when the infant was located between two adults compared to sleeping next to one adult.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations have recommended against bed-sharing due to the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. They advise that babies should sleep on their back, in the same room as their parents, but on a separate surface such as a crib or bassinet. This arrangement is recommended for the first year, or at least the first 6 months, after birth.
However, it is important to note that not all experts agree that bed-sharing is inherently unsafe. Some studies have found that bed-sharing may be protective for infants older than 3 months, especially when breastfeeding is involved. In addition, the lowest SIDS rates in the world are found in countries where bed-sharing is traditional, such as parts of Asia and South Asia.
To minimize the risk of SIDS when bed-sharing, it is important to create a safe sleeping environment. This includes ensuring the bed is free of suffocation hazards, such as loose sheets or blankets, and keeping the infant's face and head uncovered. It is also recommended to maintain a smoke-free environment, avoid arousal-altering medications or alcohol, and practice exclusive breastfeeding.
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Co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers who co-sleep tend to lie in a protective "C" shape around their baby, keeping them close to their breast with an arm between the baby's head and the pillow. This position prevents the breastfeeding parent from rolling over onto their baby. It also helps regulate the baby's heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
Co-sleeping is also beneficial for the baby's health. Breastfeeding provides babies with important immune factors such as antibodies and white blood cells, which may help protect them from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies also suffer fewer infections than formula-fed babies.
However, it is important to note that not all experts agree with co-sleeping. While the AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing, some sources suggest that bed-sharing can be safe in the absence of hazardous factors, such as smoking or drug and alcohol use.
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Co-sleeping can be good for bonding
Co-sleeping is a broad term that includes both bed sharing and room sharing. While the subject of co-sleeping can be confusing and controversial, it can be good for bonding.
Research shows that mothers and babies feel best when they are close to each other. There is scientific evidence that mothers and babies are hardwired for the experience of togetherness. Infants get to know and bond with their mother through their senses – eye contact, the sound of the mother's voice, her touch and her smell. This process of 'learning to love' is a behavioural system that operates 24 hours a day and does not stop when the baby is asleep.
Proximity to the infant at night would elevate the loving feelings a mother would feel for her infant. The hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which stimulate the milk ejection reflex, are at their highest levels during night feeds. Endorphins, the hormones of pleasure and transcendence, are also released during breastfeeding and transferred to the baby through the mother's milk.
Co-sleeping is also a way for parents to promote their child's emotional growth. Sleeping together promotes 'secure attachment', whereby children who become distressed are able to compose themselves knowing that they can rely on their caregiver. Independence arises naturally out of this secure relationship.
However, it is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing without bed sharing. The AAP maintains that bed sharing presents too high a risk, regardless of the conditions. Bed-sharing can be dangerous and raises the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, babies should sleep on their back, in the parent's room, close to the parent's bed, but on a separate surface such as a crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet.
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Co-sleeping can be planned or unintentional
Co-sleeping is a broad term that includes both bed sharing and room sharing. While some parents choose to co-sleep with their babies, others fall asleep with their babies unintentionally. Co-sleeping can be planned, for example, when parents bring their babies into bed with them to sleep. It can also be unintentional, for instance, when parents fall asleep on a couch holding their baby.
The decision to co-sleep with a baby is a controversial topic. Some sources advise against co-sleeping, while others advocate for its benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing without bed sharing, as bed sharing increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, room sharing is recommended as it can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Parents who choose to co-sleep should take precautions to ensure the baby's safety. It is important to create a safe sleep environment, which includes a firm, flat, and level surface, free from toys, blankets, pillows, and other items that could obstruct the baby's airways. Additionally, it is recommended to keep the baby on their back, away from the edge of the bed, and next to only one parent to reduce the risk of accidents.
Whether planned or unintentional, co-sleeping can have benefits and risks. Some benefits include improved breastfeeding, easier response to babies during the night, and enhanced bonding. However, co-sleeping is associated with an increased risk of SIDS and fatal sleep accidents, especially in certain circumstances such as when the parent smokes, consumes alcohol, or is extremely tired. It is crucial for parents to carefully consider the risks and make informed decisions regarding co-sleeping, always prioritizing the baby's safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping is when a baby sleeps in the same room as their parent(s) or carer, but in their own separate sleeping space such as a cot or Moses basket. Bed sharing is when a baby shares the bed with an adult for most of the night. Sofa sharing is when a parent or carer sleeps on a sofa or armchair with a baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not advise co-sleeping, especially bed sharing, as it has been linked to a higher rate of SIDS. However, room sharing is recommended by the AAP as it has been shown to decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Co-sleeping can be a sweet way to bond with your older baby or toddler. It can also make breastfeeding easier and help parents and babies get more sleep.
If you are bedsharing, consider any risks before each sleep. If you are unwell or have consumed alcohol, your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space. Always place the baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, clean surface, away from smoke, and with only light blanketing. Keep pillows, adult bedding, and other items that could cover their head away from the baby.
