Evie Summers
Co-sleeping with a newborn and a toddler can be challenging, but there are ways to make it work. While some sources advise against co-sleeping with newborns, many parents choose to do so for various reasons, such as breastfeeding and bonding. If you plan to co-sleep with your newborn and toddler, it's important to prioritize safety and make sure everyone gets a good night's sleep. Here are some tips to help you navigate this arrangement.
Characteristics of co-sleeping with a newborn and a toddler
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleeping position for the baby | On their back, on a firm, flat, and level surface, with their head and face uncovered |
| Safe sleeping environment for the baby | In a space that's clear, not too hot, and smoke-free, with no bulky bedding or hanging cords |
| Safe sleeping environment for the parents | No consumption of drugs, alcohol, or heavy sleep-inducing medication |
| Sleeping arrangements | Newborn next to the mother, with the toddler on the other side, or the newborn between the mother and a guardrail, and the toddler on the other side of the father next to a guardrail |
| Toddler's acceptance of new sleeping arrangements | Ease the toddler into a "special bed" by offering them extra reassurance and attention |
| Benefits of co-sleeping | Easier nighttime breastfeeding, bonding, and convenience |
| Risks of co-sleeping | Increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental death, and suffocation |
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What You'll Learn
- Safety concerns: Co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS, suffocation, strangulation, and accidental death
- Bed-sharing: The pros and cons of sharing a bed with your toddler and newborn
- Room-sharing: The safest way to co-sleep is to have your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you
- Easing-out strategies: How to transition your toddler out of co-sleeping and into their own special bed
- Safe sleeping practices: Tips to make co-sleeping safer, such as sleeping positions, bedding, and sleepwear
Safety concerns: Co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS, suffocation, strangulation, and accidental death
Co-sleeping with a newborn and a toddler comes with several safety concerns and risks. The primary ones are the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, strangulation, and accidental death.
The risk of SIDS is significantly higher when a baby sleeps on a couch, armchair, or other soft, lumpy surfaces, as these can create air pockets that make it difficult for them to breathe. Sleeping on a firm mattress on the floor is recommended. The risk of SIDS is also higher when the baby is not breastfed, as breastfeeding keeps both the baby and mother in a lighter stage of sleep, promoting greater awareness of each other. Additionally, the risk of SIDS is further elevated when co-sleeping with a parent who has been drinking.
Suffocation is another serious risk associated with co-sleeping. It can occur when the baby's head is covered by loose bedding, pillows, or when they are trapped and unable to breathe. It is crucial to keep pillows, blankets, and other items that could obstruct breathing away from infants.
Strangulation is also a potential hazard. Parents should remove any jewellery, teething necklaces, dummy chains, and similar objects from the baby's sleep environment to eliminate this risk.
Lastly, co-sleeping increases the risk of accidental death. This can happen when a baby falls from an adult bed or becomes trapped between the bed and other objects in the room.
While co-sleeping has its benefits, such as promoting bonding and making nighttime nursing easier, it is essential to carefully weigh these risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the newborn and toddler.
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Bed-sharing: The pros and cons of sharing a bed with your toddler and newborn
The pros
Co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding and make it easier to respond to babies during the night. It can also be good for bonding with babies. Co-sleeping can also help parents and toddlers get more sleep.
The cons
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. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies who sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can’t breathe.
How to make co-sleeping safer
If you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to make it safer. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate 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, on a firm, flat and level surface, in a space that’s clear, not too hot and smoke-free. Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered. Make sure all pillows and bedding are away from the baby. Use a safe sleeping bag with a fitted neck and armholes and no hood. Make sure your baby’s arms are out.
Other options
If you have a king-size bed and want both children in the same bed, it might work for your newborn to sleep between you and a guardrail, and then your toddler on the other side of your partner next to a guardrail. You could also try easing your toddler into a "special bed" either right next to your bed or at the foot of your bed.
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Room-sharing: The safest way to co-sleep is to have your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you
Room-sharing, where a baby sleeps in the same room as their parent(s) or carer but in their own separate sleeping space, is the safest way to co-sleep. This separate sleeping space could be a cot, bassinet, portable cot, or Moses basket.
Room-sharing is safer than bed-sharing, where a baby shares a bed with an adult, or sofa-sharing, which is when a parent or carer sleeps on a sofa or armchair with a baby. Bed-sharing and sofa-sharing are dangerous because they can obstruct the baby's airways and lead to suffocation. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult.
If you are planning to co-sleep, there are ways to reduce the risks and make co-sleeping safer. Firstly, the baby should sleep on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a space that is clear, not too hot, and smoke-free. It is also important to keep the baby's face and head uncovered and to remove any bonnets, beanies, hats, or hoods before sleep. Additionally, the sleep space should be free from toys, blankets, pillows, and other items that could cover the baby's head or cause them to overheat.
It is recommended that you do not co-sleep if you or your partner smoke, use alcohol or drugs, or take any medicine that causes heavy sleep or makes you less aware and able to respond to your baby. It is also best to avoid co-sleeping if you are extremely tired or unwell, or if your baby was born prematurely or small for their gestational age.
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Easing-out strategies: How to transition your toddler out of co-sleeping and into their own special bed
Transitioning your toddler out of co-sleeping can be challenging, and it is unlikely that you will be able to make the change overnight. However, it can be done with a plan and patience. Here are some strategies to help ease the transition:
Start by creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your toddler in their own room. This could be a toddler bed or a crib, depending on their age and stage of development. Ensure the sleep space is big enough and that the mattress is firm, flat, and level. Remove any pillows, blankets, toys, and other items that could cover your toddler's head or cause them to overheat.
Introduce the new sleep space gradually. Place the toddler bed next to your bed, allowing your toddler to get used to sleeping in their own space while still being close to you. After a week or two, move the bed to the other end of the room, and eventually to their own room if they are not already sleeping there. This gradual transition can help reduce the risk of regression and feelings of being left out.
Develop new bedtime routines and comfort strategies that are independent of co-sleeping. For example, you can try massaging your toddler or rubbing their back and singing to them until they fall asleep. You can also offer a comfort object, such as a favourite stuffed toy or blanket, to help them self-soothe.
Be consistent and persistent with your plan. It may take a few nights or even weeks for your toddler to adjust to the new sleep arrangement. Stay patient and understanding during this transition, offering comfort and reassurance as needed.
Remember, the key is to make the transition gradual and positive, ensuring your toddler feels secure and loved throughout the process.
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Safe sleeping practices: Tips to make co-sleeping safer, such as sleeping positions, bedding, and sleepwear
While co-sleeping with a newborn and a toddler can be convenient for breastfeeding and bonding, it is not without risks. Here are some safe sleeping practices and tips to make co-sleeping safer:
Sleeping Positions:
- It is recommended that babies sleep on their back, as this helps to keep their airways open and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is known as the supine position.
- Place your baby on the side of the bed, away from the edge, and next to one parent. Avoid placing them between parents or next to other children or pets.
- Ensure there is a clear space around your baby in the bed. The sleep space should be large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.
- If co-sleeping with a toddler, be aware that they can roll over and free themselves if trapped. However, it is still recommended that toddlers sleep in their own bed.
Bedding and Sleepwear:
- Keep the sleep space clear of any items that could obstruct the baby's airways or cause them to overheat, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and stuffed animals.
- Use a firm, flat, and level mattress. A new mattress is preferable, but a second-hand one can be used if stored in a clean, dry, and smoke-free environment.
- Avoid using soft or raised sleeping pods, nests, or crib bumpers, as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
- Dress your baby in layers of clothing to keep them warm instead of using weighted blankets or sleepers.
- Baby sleeping bags can be used to reduce the risk of SIDS by preventing babies from wriggling under the bedding. Choose a well-fitting bag with no hood, and ensure their arms are outside the bag.
- Avoid swaddling your baby when bed-sharing, as it can increase the risk of suffocation if they roll onto their belly and cannot roll back.
- Keep the sleep environment smoke-free, as exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke is harmful to babies and increases the risk of SIDS.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping with a newborn and a toddler can be unsafe and is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is much safer for your infant or toddler to sleep alone in their own bed. If you do choose to co-sleep, never put a newborn and a toddler next to each other.
Co-sleeping with a newborn and a toddler can increase the risk of suffocation and strangulation. It can also heighten the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Some safer alternatives include:
- Having one parent co-sleep with the toddler, while the other co-sleeps with the newborn in a separate bed.
- Using a separate mattress for the toddler and placing it next to or at the foot of your bed.
- Using a bedside co-sleeper bassinette for the newborn, allowing them to be within close distance while keeping the toddler on the other side.
