Miya Pearson
Co-sleeping is when a baby shares a sleep surface with another person, such as a parent or sibling. It can be planned or unintentional, like when parents fall asleep on a couch holding their baby. While co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding and bonding, it is important to remember that it is not always safe. If you choose to co-sleep with your newborn, there are ways to reduce the 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 space, away from hanging cords, and that their head and face remain uncovered.
Characteristics of safe co-sleeping with a newborn
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baby's sleeping position | On their back, not on their side or tummy |
| Baby's head | Uncovered |
| Baby's bedding | No pillows, sheets, blankets, or soft toys |
| Baby's mattress | Firm, flat, and level |
| Baby's location | To the side of one parent, not between two adults or next to other children or pets |
| Baby's sleep space | Clear of any items that could cause strangulation, such as jewellery, teething necklaces, or long hair |
| Baby's sleep environment | Smoke-free, with no electric blankets |
| Parent's behaviour | Avoid co-sleeping if extremely tired, unwell, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol |
| Parent's bed | Remove slatted or decorated headboards, and ensure the baby cannot become trapped between the bed and wall or fall out of bed |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep environment
A safe sleep environment is paramount when co-sleeping with a newborn. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot, bassinet, or Moses basket, free from toys, blankets, and pillows. This helps lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, if you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to do so more safely.
Firstly, ensure the baby sleeps on their back, not on their side or tummy. This will help keep their airways open. Place the baby to the side of one parent, away from the edge of the bed and never between two adults or next to other children or pets. Keep the bedding simple and safe, with no bulky bedding in the cot. Avoid loose bedding, blankets, quilts, pillows, soft toys, and a soft mattress. Make sure all pillows and bedding are kept away from the baby, and use a safe sleeping bag with a fitted neck and armholes and no hood.
Secondly, the sleep environment should be smoke-free, well-ventilated, and not too hot. Exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke is harmful to babies, and adult smoking increases the risk of SUDI.
Lastly, consider the risks associated with co-sleeping. Co-sleeping is not recommended if either parent smokes, consumes alcohol or drugs, or takes medication that causes heavy sleep or reduces awareness and responsiveness to the baby. It is also not recommended if the baby was born prematurely or small for their gestational age, or if the baby is unwell. In these situations, it is important to plan for the baby to sleep in their own separate sleep space in the same room as the parents.
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Baby's sleep position
Co-sleeping with a newborn can be a rewarding experience for parents, offering better bonding, supported development for the baby's body and mind, and improved rest for the whole family. However, it is essential to prioritize the baby's safety and comfort during co-sleeping. Here are some guidelines for a newborn baby's sleep position when co-sleeping:
The safest way to put your baby to sleep is on their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. Research has consistently shown that placing babies to sleep on their fronts or sides increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, it is recommended to make it a routine to place your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night. This practice should continue until the baby can independently move from their back to their front and back again, at which point they will be able to find their preferred sleeping position.
It is important to keep the baby's sleep surface clear of items such as toys, pillows, and blankets, which could cover their face or impede their airways. The room temperature should be maintained between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the baby doesn't get too warm during sleep.
If you are bed-sharing with your newborn, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks. Bed-sharing increases the risk of the baby getting tangled in soft bedding or being covered by pillows or blankets. Therefore, it is recommended to use a bedside co-sleeper that is specifically designed for newborns, providing a firm and secure space for them to sleep safely while still being close to you.
Additionally, breastfeeding mothers may find themselves in a "cuddle curl" position, which is nature's way of protecting the baby during sleep. In this position, the mother's knees are bent, and the arm is tucked under the head, pillow, or curled around the baby, creating a protected space.
Remember, co-sleeping guidelines may vary based on cultural practices and the advice of your healthcare professional. Always ensure you create a safe and comfortable environment for your newborn when co-sleeping.
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Breastfeeding and co-sleeping
Co-sleeping with a newborn can help with breastfeeding and make it easier to respond to babies during the night. It can also be good for bonding with babies. However, it is important to remember that it isn't always safe. 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.
If you plan to co-sleep, there are ways to make it safer. Firstly, breastfeeding is commonly cited as a factor in making bedsharing safer. Research shows that bedsharing, breastfeeding mothers get the most sleep of all new mothers. Mothers who breastfeed and co-sleep form a C-shape around their baby as they nurse in a side-lying position. This position prevents the breastfeeding parent from rolling over onto their baby.
Other steps to make co-sleeping safer include:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep, never on their side or tummy. This will help to keep their airways open.
- 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.
- Tie up any long hair and remove anything that could be a strangling risk, such as jewellery, teething necklaces, and dummy chains.
- Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm, flat, and level surface.
- Avoid sleeping with your baby on a couch, recliner, or memory foam-style mattress.
- Keep the environment around your baby smoke-free before and after birth.
It is also important to consider your own circumstances when deciding whether to co-sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months of your baby's life, rather than bed-sharing. The AAP recommends against bed-sharing because of the risks associated with co-sleeping, such as SUDI and SIDS.
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Co-sleeping risks
Co-sleeping with a newborn comes with several risks that parents should be aware of. 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 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Co-sleeping can be associated with an increased risk of SIDS and fatal sleep accidents, especially if the baby is sleeping on a sofa or armchair with an adult. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies sleeping on a sofa or armchair with an adult, as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and cannot breathe. Adult beds have not been designed or safety tested for infant sleep in the same way as a cot or Moses basket.
If you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to make it safer. It is important to keep the baby on their back, not their side or tummy, to keep their airways open. The baby should be placed on the side of the bed, away from the edge, and next to only one parent. It is recommended to avoid placing the baby between parents or next to other children or pets. This reduces the chance of people, pets, or bedding items covering the baby's head and face.
The sleep environment should be clear of any items that could create a strangulation risk, such as jewellery, teething necklaces, or dummy chains. It should also be smoke-free, as exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke is harmful to babies, and adult smoking increases the risk of SIDS. In addition, it is recommended that parents avoid co-sleeping if they smoke, consume alcohol, or take any medication that causes heavy sleep or reduces their ability to respond to the baby.
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Bed-sharing alternatives
Bed-sharing is not recommended due to the risks involved. However, there are alternatives to bed-sharing that can provide a safe sleeping arrangement for your newborn. Here are some options to consider:
Room-sharing
Room-sharing is a safer alternative to bed-sharing. It involves having your baby sleep in the same room as you, but in their own separate space, such as a crib, bassinet, or play yard placed near your bed. This arrangement allows you to easily see and reach your newborn for feeding or comforting during the night. Room-sharing is recommended for the first six months to a year, as it decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
Safe Sleep Seven
If you do choose to bed-share, it is important to follow safety guidelines such as the Safe Sleep Seven checklist, which can help eliminate the biggest SIDS risks and create a safer sleep environment for your baby. This checklist includes steps like placing your baby on their back, keeping the sleeping area clear and smoke-free, and ensuring your baby sleeps on a firm, flat, and level surface.
Use a Separate Mattress
If you have limited space or prefer to sleep in the same room, consider using a separate mattress for older children or yourself. Move the mattress away from walls and other furniture to prevent your baby from getting trapped, and consider placing the mattress on the floor if there is a risk of your baby rolling off the bed.
Safe Infant Sleeping Bag
Instead of using adult bedding, opt for a safe infant sleeping bag with a fitted neck and armholes. This ensures your baby stays covered and comfortable without the risk of suffocation or entanglement in loose blankets or sheets.
Breastfeeding and Bonding
Breastfeeding mothers can still maintain close physical contact with their newborns by adopting a cuddle curl position, which also helps prevent rolling over onto the baby. Additionally, there are other safe ways to bond with your baby, such as using a baby carrier, sharing skin-to-skin cuddle time, playing, and reading together.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping is when babies sleep on the same surface as another person. It can be planned or unintentional, like when parents fall asleep on a couch holding the baby.
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 main risks are overheating and head covering. Sleeping with a baby on a couch or chair is always unsafe as it can obstruct the baby's airways and lead to suffocation.
If you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to make it safer. Place your baby on their back to sleep, never on their side or tummy. Keep your baby's head and face uncovered and ensure all pillows, bedding, and other items that could cover their head 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. Keep the environment around your baby smoke-free.
