Evie Summers
Co-sleeping is when parents or caregivers sleep with their baby on a bed, sofa, or chair. While some parents choose to co-sleep, others do so unintentionally. Co-sleeping with a child under 12 months old is considered unsafe due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and breathing hazards. However, if parents choose to co-sleep, they should ensure the bed is safe by removing pillows, loose bedding, and other hazards that could trap or cover the baby's head. Additionally, parents should avoid co-sleeping if they are unwell, have consumed alcohol, or smoke. While co-sleeping has benefits such as improved sleep for breastfeeding mothers, it can also lead to sleep associations that make it challenging to transition the baby to their own bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe co-sleeping | Research indicates that bed-sharing with a healthy 10-month-old baby by a responsible non-smoking adult on a safe surface is as safe as any other sleep arrangement. |
| Safe sleep surface | A cot, crib, bassinet, or Moses basket. |
| Safe sleep environment | Remove pillows, adult bedding, and any loose materials that could cover the baby's head or cause them to overheat. |
| Safe sleep position | Place the baby on their back without bedding covering them. |
| Transitioning to independent sleep | Replace co-sleeping cuddles with other activities, such as reading books or morning snuggles, to ease the transition. |
| Benefits of co-sleeping | Breastfeeding mothers get more sleep when they bed-share, and it promotes attachment. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe co-sleeping practices
Co-sleeping can be unintentional or intentional. If you do choose to co-sleep, it is important to know how to reduce the risks. Here are some safe co-sleeping practices:
Safe sleep environment
Creating a safe sleep environment is crucial to ensuring your baby's safety. This includes using a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a mattress, that is free from toys, blankets, and pillows. Keep the sleep environment clear, not too hot, and smoke-free. Additionally, avoid co-sleeping on sofas, armchairs, or any risky surfaces.
Sleep position
Place your baby on their back to sleep, as this helps to protect their airways. Avoid placing your baby on their tummy or side. The cuddle curl position is recommended, where the breastfeeding mother's knees are up and her arm is tucked under her head, creating a protected space for the baby.
Bed preparation
If you plan to co-sleep, prepare your bed in advance to make it safer for your baby. Keep pillows and adult bedding away from the baby to prevent their head from being covered. Remove any slatted or decorated headboards to avoid entrapment. Check that your baby cannot fall out of bed or become trapped between the mattress and the wall.
Avoid co-sleeping under the influence
Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner has consumed alcohol or taken drugs, including prescription medication, that may cause heavy sleep or impair your ability to respond to your baby. It is also recommended to avoid co-sleeping if you are extremely tired or unwell.
Room-sharing
If you are hesitant about bed-sharing, room-sharing is a safer alternative. Room-sharing involves having your baby sleep in the same room as you but in their separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. This allows you to be close by and attend to your baby's needs while maintaining a safer sleep environment.
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Risks of co-sleeping
Co-sleeping with a 10-month-old baby is generally considered unsafe and is associated with various risks. Firstly, there is an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. This risk is heightened if the baby sleeps on their side or stomach, or if their airways are obstructed by bedding, pillows, or other objects. Additionally, the risk of SUDI is further elevated if either parent smokes, consumes alcohol, or takes drugs, as these substances can impair their ability to respond to the baby's needs during sleep.
Another risk of co-sleeping is suffocation. Babies may become trapped in heavy bedding or adult bodies, unable to move or roll over to free themselves. This risk is particularly high for infants under one year old, as their developing motor skills may not be sufficient to escape potential entrapment. Furthermore, co-sleeping can also lead to the development of sleep crutches, where children become dependent on parental presence or specific interactions, such as back rubbing or patting, to fall asleep. This can create difficulties when transitioning to independent sleep and may result in anxious behaviours displayed by the child.
Co-sleeping can also disrupt the sleep of both parents and children. As active sleepers, children may unintentionally disturb their parents' sleep with their movements. Additionally, the presence of parents may cause older children to go to bed earlier than they would prefer, leading to frustration for all family members. While some sources suggest that co-sleeping can promote longer overall sleep for both caregivers and babies, it is important to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
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Benefits of co-sleeping
While co-sleeping with a 10-month-old baby is potentially dangerous, there are some benefits to co-sleeping with older children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with infants for at least the first six months, and preferably for the first year, but stops short of recommending bed-sharing.
Bonding and Emotional Intimacy
Co-sleeping can help parents and children bond and foster a feeling of greater emotional intimacy. Skin-to-skin contact and sleeping close to each other can strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child. It can also help parents and children make the most of their time together, especially if parents work unusual hours.
Breastfeeding
Co-sleeping can make breastfeeding easier and more convenient, and mothers who co-sleep are more likely to breastfeed for longer. It can also help babies fall back to sleep faster after feeding.
Baby's Comfort and Safety
Babies love sleeping close to their parents because it makes them feel comforted and safe. Co-sleeping can also help babies self-soothe and regulate their breathing by matching their breathing to their parents.
Parent's Sleep
While co-sleeping may not be conducive to a good night's sleep for some, it can help tired parents get more sleep by making it easier to breastfeed and comfort their babies.
It is important to note that co-sleeping with infants under one year old is considered potentially dangerous by the AAP due to the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended by the AAP to reduce the risk of SIDS.
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Transitioning to independent sleep
Transitioning your 10-month-old from co-sleeping to independent sleep can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some tips to help you through this transition:
Choose the right time
Select a period when life is relatively stable, and no other significant changes are occurring. For example, avoid making the transition while also dealing with new siblings, starting school, or potty training.
Prepare the sleep environment
Ensure your baby has a safe sleeping space, such as a crib or Moses basket, free from blankets, bumpers, toys, and pillows. The room should be dark, with blackout curtains to block out external light. Consider using a noise machine to create a soothing and consistent sleep environment.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine
Implement a calming and consistent bedtime routine, including lots of cuddle time and opportunities for connection. Reading books, singing lullabies, or giving your baby a massage can help signal that it's time for sleep.
Introduce a security object
Offer your baby a transitional object, such as a soft toy or blanket, to provide comfort and security during sleep. This can help your baby feel less anxious about separating from you at bedtime.
Be consistent and patient
Consistency is key to successful independent sleep training. Avoid falling back into old habits of co-sleeping, as this may confuse your baby and prolong the transition. Remember that the process may take time, and your baby's temperament will also play a role in how quickly they adjust.
Consider gradual transitions
Some experts suggest gradually moving your baby's sleep space away from your bed, such as by placing a mattress on the floor in their room and slowly moving it further away until you're no longer in the same room. This can help your baby adjust to the new sleeping arrangement more gradually.
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Alternatives to co-sleeping
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot, bassinet, cradle or Moses basket, free from toys, blankets, and pillows. This helps lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keeping the cot, bassinet, cradle or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
If you are co-sleeping with your baby, consider any risks before every sleep. If you are unwell or have consumed alcohol, your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space.
Babies should always be in the same room as you for every sleep, day and night, for at least the first six months. You can still leave the room to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet, but for most of the time when they’re sleeping, they are safest if you’re close by.
If your baby shows signs of wanting to roll over, you should stop swaddling them. This can happen as early as 3 to 4 months old. But your baby may try it earlier. Swaddling your child at this stage can make them more likely to suffocate if they roll onto their belly but can’t roll onto their back.
If the sleep space isn’t big enough, consider alternatives. For example, if your family sleeps together in the same room, use a separate mattress for older children. Move the mattress or bed away from the wall, so your baby can’t get trapped between the bed or mattress and wall.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping with a child under 12 months old is not considered safe by experts. The AAP recommends creating a solo sleeping space for your child. However, if you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to reduce the risks.
Remove all pillows, blankets, toys, and loose items from the bed. Keep your baby on their back, and avoid co-sleeping if you have been drinking, smoking, or taking drugs.
Breastfeeding mothers get more sleep when they co-sleep, and breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Co-sleeping can also promote attachment.
Make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep, without blankets, bumpers, or toys. It can be helpful for your baby to sense you are near, so you could sleep with their bed sheet before putting it in the crib. Be consistent about making sure all sleep happens in their own bed.
