Miya Pearson
Co-sleeping is when a baby sleeps on the same surface as another person, such as a parent or sibling. It can be done intentionally or unintentionally and can have benefits such as aiding breastfeeding and bonding. However, it is important to consider the risks associated with co-sleeping, such as sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and accidental strangulation. To reduce these risks, it is recommended to create a safe sleep environment by ensuring the baby sleeps on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear, smoke-free, and well-ventilated space. Additionally, it is advised to avoid co-sleeping if the parent smokes, consumes alcohol or drugs, or is extremely tired or unwell. While co-sleeping is a personal choice, following safety guidelines is crucial to ensure the baby's well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep space | A cot or Moses basket |
| Baby's sleep position | On their back |
| Baby's head and face | Uncovered |
| Baby's sleeping bag | No hood, arms out |
| Bed sharing | Avoid sofas, recliners, or upholstered chairs |
| Baby's age | Over 3 months |
| Parent's health | Avoid if unwell or drunk |
| Parent's smoking status | Avoid if either parent smokes |
| Parent's medication | Avoid if taking drugs or medication that induce heavy sleep |
| Baby's health | Avoid if unwell or premature |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the risks of co-sleeping
Co-sleeping with a 7-month-old baby is not recommended by many sources due to the potential risks involved. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against bed-sharing with infants, instead recommending room-sharing—where the baby sleeps in a crib, bassinet, or cradle in the same room as the parents. This arrangement allows parents to quickly tend to their baby's needs while reducing the risks associated with co-sleeping.
The primary concern with co-sleeping is the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bed-sharing can increase the chances of SIDS occurring, as parents or objects may roll onto the baby during sleep, leading to injury, suffocation, or death. This risk is heightened if the baby is younger than four months old, was born prematurely, or had a low birth weight. Additionally, the risk of SIDS is further elevated if either parent smokes, consumes alcohol, or takes drugs, as these substances can impair their awareness and responsiveness.
Other risks of co-sleeping include entrapment and suffocation. Babies may become trapped between the bed and the wall or roll off the bed. They may also struggle to free themselves from heavy bedding or adult bodies, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Co-sleeping can also disrupt the sleep of both parents and baby. Babies and toddlers are notoriously restless sleepers, and their movements can disturb the sleep of those around them. Additionally, co-sleeping can foster a strong "sleep onset association," where the child becomes reliant on a parent's presence to fall asleep, making it difficult for them to sleep independently.
While some sources suggest that bed-sharing with a healthy baby on a safe surface may be acceptable after four months of age, it is important to carefully weigh the risks and take precautions to create a safe sleeping environment.
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Make your bed safer for co-sleeping
While some parents choose to co-sleep with their babies, others fall asleep with their babies unintentionally. If you do co-sleep, it is important to make your bed as safe as possible for your baby. Here are some tips to make your bed safer for co-sleeping:
Place your baby on their back to sleep
This is recommended by various sources, including the Red Nose Six Safe Sleep Recommendations, to help protect your baby's airways and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Keep your baby's head and face uncovered
Keep pillows, blankets, and adult bedding away from your baby to prevent suffocation. Many babies who die from SIDS are found with their heads covered by loose bedding.
Avoid co-sleeping under the influence of substances
If you are unwell, overly tired, or have consumed alcohol or drugs, your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS, especially if either party is impaired.
Create a safe sleeping environment
Ensure your mattress is firm and placed on the floor to prevent your baby from falling out of bed. Remove any slatted or decorated headboards to avoid your baby's head from getting trapped. Keep other children and pets away from the bed to reduce the risk of accidents.
Follow safe sleeping practices
Breastfeeding is recommended as it reduces the risk of SIDS. Additionally, dress your baby in minimal clothing to avoid overheating, and avoid using weighted blankets, sleepers, or swaddles.
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Place your baby on their back to sleep
When co-sleeping with your 7-month-old baby, it is important to place them on their back to sleep, for naps and at night. This is because placing your baby to sleep on their back is the safest sleep position and significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
Placing your baby on their back to sleep is recommended from the moment they are born until they are 1 year old. It is important to note that side sleeping is not recommended as babies who are placed to sleep on their sides are more likely to fall onto their stomachs, which is the position associated with the highest risk of SIDS. Research suggests that the risk of SIDS for babies who sleep on their sides and then fall onto their stomachs is much higher than for babies who are always placed on their stomachs. Therefore, it is crucial to place your baby on their back to sleep, even if they seem less comfortable or sleep more lightly than when on their stomachs.
To help your baby adjust to sleeping on their back, you can try giving them a pacifier when you put them down for a nap or at night. Sucking on a pacifier can be soothing, and it is more difficult for babies to keep pacifiers in their mouths if they roll onto their tummies or sides. Rocking your baby until they are drowsy and then transferring them to their crib on their back can also help them get used to sleeping on their back.
Additionally, creating a safe sleep environment is crucial when co-sleeping with your baby. Keep your baby's head and face uncovered by keeping pillows, blankets, and adult bedding away from them. Use a safe sleeping bag with no hood and make sure your baby's arms are out. Avoid wrapping or swaddling your baby when co-sleeping. Ensure that your baby cannot fall out of bed and place them to the side of one parent, away from the edge. Do not place your baby in the middle of two adults or next to other children or pets as this can increase the risk of overheating and suffocation.
It is important to note that co-sleeping is not recommended by some organizations, as the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a crib, cot, or Moses basket. However, if you choose to co-sleep or find yourself unintentionally co-sleeping, it is crucial to follow safe sleeping practices to reduce the risks associated with co-sleeping.
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Keep your baby's face and head uncovered
Keeping your baby's head and face uncovered is one of the most important things to consider when co-sleeping. This is because it reduces the risk of suffocation from head coverings slipping down over your baby’s face. Hats, beanies, bonnets, hoodies, and hooded clothing should all be removed before putting your baby down to sleep.
Loose bedding, such as quilts, duvets, and pillows, should be kept away from the baby, as they can accidentally cover the baby's face and head, increasing the risk of suffocation and overheating. Soft toys should also be avoided in the cot, especially for babies under seven months old.
Babies control their temperature mainly through their head and face, so keeping these areas uncovered helps to regulate their body temperature. Research has shown a link between overheating and an increased risk of SUDI, so it is important to ensure your baby does not overheat.
To reduce the risk of bedding covering your baby's head and face, place your baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot so they cannot wriggle down under the blankets. Additionally, ensure any bedding is lightweight, firmly tucked in, and only pulled up to the baby's chest.
By keeping your baby's head and face uncovered, you can help reduce the risk of SIDS and create a safer sleeping environment.
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Avoid co-sleeping if you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs
Co-sleeping with your baby can be rewarding for some parents, but it's important to consider the risks involved. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs, it is strongly advised that you avoid co-sleeping with your 7-month-old baby due to the potential dangers.
Smoking increases the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke is harmful to babies, and the risk of SUDI increases with adult smoking. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a smoke-free environment for your baby, both before and after birth.
Alcohol consumption is another factor that can make co-sleeping unsafe. Studies have found that bed-sharing significantly increases the risk of SIDS, especially when the parent has been drinking. If you have consumed alcohol, it is recommended to place your baby in a separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, to ensure their safety.
Drug use, including prescription medication, can also impair your ability to respond to your baby while co-sleeping. Any substance that causes heavy sleep or reduces your awareness can increase the risk of rolling over onto your baby or not noticing them in distress.
Additionally, it is important to consider your baby's gestational age and weight. Premature babies, those born under 37 weeks, or babies who were small for their gestational age, are at a higher risk of SIDS and respiratory problems when co-sleeping.
By avoiding co-sleeping when these risk factors are present, you can help ensure your baby's safety and reduce the chances of sleep-related accidents or SIDS. It is crucial to prioritize creating a safe sleep environment for your 7-month-old baby, even if it means making adjustments to your sleeping arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
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. Other risks include suffocation, strangulation, and overheating.
Ensure your baby's face and head are uncovered and clear of any bedding, pillows, or toys that could cause suffocation. Place your baby on their back to sleep, and ensure they cannot fall out of bed. Do not co-sleep if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or take drugs that cause heavy sleep.
It is recommended that babies sleep in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months. This helps to reduce the risk of SIDS while still having a parent close by.
