Evie Summers
Co-sleeping with a 12-month-old baby is a common practice among parents. While some do it intentionally, others may fall asleep with their baby unintentionally. Although co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding and bonding, it is associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. However, there are ways to reduce these risks and make co-sleeping safer. This includes ensuring the baby sleeps on their back, on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear, smoke-free, and well-ventilated area. It is also important to avoid co-sleeping if the parent or baby has consumed alcohol, taken drugs, or is feeling unwell. Additionally, creating a separate sleeping space for the baby in the same room as the parents, such as a crib or bassinet, is recommended for the first six months to a year.
Characteristics and recommendations for co-sleeping with a 12-month-old
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleeping arrangement | Room-sharing is recommended for the first six months and possibly up to a year, as it can reduce the risk of SIDS. |
| Safety concerns | Co-sleeping in the same bed carries less risk once the child is a toddler (over one year old), but it can lead to poorer sleep quality for parents and is associated with worse mental health outcomes for children. |
| Transitioning to independent sleep | For toddlers over two, explain that they are a "big kid" now and reinforce that they will get used to their new bed and room. |
| Safe sleeping environment | Ensure the baby's sleep space is clear of hazards such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other objects. Place the baby on their back to sleep, and keep their head and face uncovered. |
| Risk factors to avoid | Co-sleeping is not recommended if either parent smokes, consumes alcohol, or takes drugs/medication that causes drowsiness. It is also unsafe if the baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight. |
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Co-sleeping safety
Co-sleeping with a 12-month-old is generally considered safe, but there are still risks to be aware of and safety precautions to take.
Firstly, it is important to note that co-sleeping is not recommended for infants under 12 months old due to the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. However, room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as the parent in their own separate sleep space, is recommended for the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
When co-sleeping with a 12-month-old, it is important to ensure that the sleep environment is safe. This includes:
- Using a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a quality mattress, that is free from soft bedding, pillows, and toys.
- Keeping the baby's face and head uncovered and making sure they can breathe easily.
- Ensuring the room is not too hot and is smoke-free.
- Avoiding co-sleeping if the parent has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, including medication that causes drowsiness, as this can impair their ability to respond to the baby.
- Moving the mattress or bed away from the wall to prevent the baby from getting trapped.
- Considering putting the mattress on the floor if there is a risk of the baby rolling off the bed.
It is also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of co-sleeping, such as disrupted sleep for the parent and child, and the potential impact on the child's mental health and independence.
While co-sleeping can have benefits, such as bonding and convenience for breastfeeding, it is important to carefully consider the safety precautions and potential risks before deciding to co-sleep with a 12-month-old.
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Room-sharing
- Use a separate mattress for older children if the family sleeps together in the same room.
- Move the mattress or bed away from the wall to prevent the baby from getting trapped between the bed and the wall.
- Consider placing the mattress on the floor if there is a risk of the baby rolling off the bed.
- Avoid using a waterbed or soft surfaces like lamb's wool, folded blankets, or pillows underneath the baby.
- Ensure the baby's face and head are uncovered. Remove any hats or hoods before sleep, and keep pillows and adult bedding away from the baby.
- Keep the baby's sleep space clear of toys, sheets, blankets, and other objects.
- Use a safe infant sleeping bag to prevent the baby from sharing adult bedding.
- Place the baby on their back to sleep, as it helps to protect their airways.
- Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or take any drugs or medications that cause drowsiness.
- Do not co-sleep if your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
Remember, the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or bassinet, in the same room as the parents or caregiver. This helps to reduce the risk of SIDS and ensures the baby's airways remain open and clear.
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Bed-sharing
While bed-sharing has its benefits, it is important to prioritize your baby's safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advise against bed-sharing due to the associated risks, especially for infants younger than four months old, preterm babies, and those with low birth weight. Bed-sharing increases the risk of sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, some studies suggest that bed-sharing with a healthy baby on a safe surface by a responsible non-smoking adult is not riskier than other sleep arrangements.
If you choose to bed-share with your 12-month-old, here are some safety precautions to follow:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, reducing the risk of SIDS.
- Dress your baby in minimal clothing to prevent overheating.
- Offer a pacifier at bedtime but don't force it, and don't worry about replacing it if it falls out during sleep.
- Stop swaddling if your baby starts trying to roll over.
- Avoid placing your baby on soft surfaces, such as a soft mattress, sofa, or waterbed.
- Ensure your baby's sleep space is clear of pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other objects that could obstruct their breathing.
- Keep your baby's face and head uncovered, removing any hats or hoods before sleep.
- Avoid bed-sharing if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol or drugs, or take medication that causes heavy sleep, as these increase the risk of sleep-related incidents.
While bed-sharing with a 12-month-old may be safer than with a younger infant, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Some families may prefer room-sharing, where the baby sleeps nearby in a crib or bassinet, as a safer alternative to bed-sharing while still maintaining closeness and facilitating breastfeeding.
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Preparing your child
Age and Development
It is important to consider the age and developmental stage of your 12-month-old child. While co-sleeping can be beneficial for bonding and breastfeeding, it is generally recommended that infants sleep in their own safe sleep space for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). After the age of one, the risk associated with co-sleeping decreases, but it is still important to create a safe environment.
Safe Sleep Environment
Creating a safe sleep environment is crucial when co-sleeping with your 12-month-old. Ensure that your baby has their own separate sleep space, such as a cot, crib, or bassinet, placed in your bedroom next to your bed. The sleep space should be firm, flat, and free from soft bedding, pillows, toys, and loose blankets to prevent suffocation hazards. Keep your baby's head and face uncovered, and always place them on their back to sleep, as this protects their airways and reduces the risk of SIDS.
Avoid Hazards
Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or use drugs or medications that cause drowsiness. These substances can impair your awareness and ability to respond to your baby's needs during sleep. Additionally, avoid co-sleeping if your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight, as they may have higher respiratory risks. Never co-sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair, as this can obstruct your baby's airways and lead to suffocation.
Gradual Transition
If your 12-month-old has been sleeping independently, transitioning them to co-sleeping should be gradual. Talk to your child about the change, explaining that they will now be sleeping in the same room as you. Reassure them that they will get used to the new arrangement and that it's a positive step. This conversation will help your child understand the change and feel more confident about it.
Individual Needs
Remember that every family and child is unique. Consider your child's temperament, sleep habits, and any specific needs they may have. Some children may adapt easily to co-sleeping, while others may require more time and gradual adjustments. Be patient and responsive to your child's individual needs during the transition.
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Preparing your bed
To prepare your bed, ensure that your baby has a firm, flat, and level surface to sleep on. Remove any soft bedding, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and stuffed animals, from the immediate sleep space to prevent suffocation hazards. It is recommended to place your baby on their back, as this helps to protect their airways and reduce the risk of SIDS. Additionally, keep your baby's head and face uncovered, and avoid wrapping or swaddling them when co-sleeping.
Create a clear space for your baby by moving the mattress or bed away from walls, headboards, or other objects that could pose an entrapment risk. Consider placing the mattress on the floor if there is a possibility of your baby rolling off the bed. Ensure that your baby cannot fall out of bed, and never leave them unattended on a bed, sofa, or chair, as this can be dangerous.
It is important to maintain a smoke-free environment when co-sleeping. Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or take any drugs or medications that cause drowsiness. Additionally, co-sleeping is not recommended if your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safer sleep environment for co-sleeping with your 12-month-old baby. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for specific advice and to ensure that co-sleeping is suitable for your family's unique circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping with a child under 12 months old is associated with a heightened risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Co-sleeping can also lead to less and poorer-quality sleep for parents, and is tied to worse mental health outcomes for children.
Co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding and make it easier to respond to your baby during the night. It can also be good for bonding.
If you choose to co-sleep with your baby, it is important to know how to reduce the risks. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, free from toys, blankets and pillows. This helps lower the risk of SIDS. If you co-sleep, place your baby on their back to sleep (never on their tummy or side). Keep your baby's head and face uncovered by keeping pillows and adult bedding away from them. Use a safe sleeping bag with no hood, and don't swaddle your baby. Make sure your baby can't fall out of bed. Move your mattress or bed away from the wall, so your baby doesn't get trapped. Don't co-sleep if you or your partner smoke, or have consumed alcohol or drugs, including medication that causes drowsiness.
Talk about the change ahead of time to help your child mentally prepare. Tell them that they're a big kid now and that they're ready to spend the night in their own bed. You can also point out that parents need time by themselves. Help your child feel confident by telling them that you know they'll do great, and reassure them that they'll get used to their bed. Choose a period when life is relatively calm and no other big changes are happening.
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