Gina Johnson
Co-sleeping with a newborn is a popular practice among parents, as it can make breastfeeding easier and promote bonding. While some consider it a natural way to ease a baby's stress and encourage healthy development, others argue that it can be dangerous and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sleep accidents. The decision to co-sleep should be made by considering the benefits and risks, and by following safety guidelines to ensure the baby's well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Co-sleeping helps with | Breastfeeding, bonding, and nurturing |
| Co-sleeping is a tradition in | 40% of all documented cultures |
| Co-sleeping can be unsafe due to | SIDS, fatal sleep accidents, suffocation, strangulation, and smoke exposure |
| Safe co-sleeping practices include | Using a firm, flat, and level mattress, keeping the baby on their back, and removing pillows, sheets, blankets, and other objects that may cause suffocation |
| Safe co-sleeping recommendations | Safe Sleep Seven, Red Nose Six Safe Sleep Recommendations |
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What You'll Learn
Co-sleeping is a tradition in many cultures
Co-sleeping has been practised for over 200,000 years, and modern hunter-gatherer cultures provide insight into the behaviours of early human ancestors, where bed-sharing is universal. Co-sleeping can have benefits for breastfeeding mothers, making it easier to feed during the night and promoting skin-to-skin contact, which can improve breastfeeding and develop a healthy bond between caregiver and child.
However, co-sleeping can also be associated with increased risks, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents. Sleeping with a baby on a couch or chair is unsafe, as it can obstruct the baby's airways and lead to suffocation. It is important to create a safe sleep environment for the baby, ensuring they sleep on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear, smoke-free space that is not too hot.
To make co-sleeping safer, it is recommended to place the baby on the side of the bed, away from the edge, and next to only one parent. It is also crucial to avoid soft pillows, blankets, and bedding that could cover the baby's head and face, and to keep the baby's sleep space free from any items that could create a strangulation risk, such as jewellery or teething necklaces.
While co-sleeping has been a traditional practice in many cultures, it is important to prioritise the safety of the baby and take the necessary precautions to create a safe sleep environment when co-sleeping.
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The benefits of co-sleeping
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, with a newborn has been a common practice for most of human history. While it has fallen out of favour in Western societies, it offers several benefits when practised safely. Here are some advantages of co-sleeping:
Breastfeeding Support
Co-sleeping facilitates breastfeeding, which has multiple benefits for both the baby and mother. It makes night-time feeding more convenient, as the baby is within close proximity, and the mother can respond to their needs more quickly. A study of 870 women found that those who co-slept breastfed more strongly and for longer. Breastfeeding also provides babies with important immune factors, such as antibodies and white blood cells, which may help protect them from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Bonding and Attachment
Co-sleeping promotes the release of oxytocin, the love hormone, which plays a vital role in bonding and attachment between the parent and baby. The physical closeness and touch associated with co-sleeping can help create a stronger bond and a sense of security for the baby.
Better Sleep for Both
Co-sleeping can result in longer overall sleep for both parents and babies. This is because caregivers don't have to get out of bed to feed the baby, and babies don't have to call out and wait for help. The lighter sleep cycles associated with co-sleeping allow babies to rouse more easily and help regulate their breathing with the adult's breathing pattern.
Baby's Development
Co-sleeping can positively impact a baby's development. Physical contact and closeness help babies "breathe more regularly, use energy more efficiently, grow faster, and experience less stress". Babies who co-sleep may also fall into an appropriate daytime and nighttime pattern faster by observing their caregiver's sleep cycle.
Safety
Co-sleeping can provide a sense of safety and protection for the baby. In cultures where co-sleeping is the norm, incidents of SIDS are often lower or even non-existent. However, it is crucial to follow guidelines for safe co-sleeping practices to minimise risks.
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The risks of co-sleeping
Co-sleeping with a newborn can be dangerous, and many experts advise against it. The risks include suffocation, strangulation, and the possibility of falling out of bed. Additionally, co-sleeping has been associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents.
The Dangers of a Soft Bed
Soft pillows and blankets can be dangerous for newborns. They can easily sink into too-soft bedding, and if they are not old enough to roll away, this can lead to suffocation. It is recommended that any blankets used are light and kept away from the baby's head.
Smoking and Alcohol
If either parent smokes, even if not in the bedroom, or consumes alcohol, drugs, or certain medications, co-sleeping is not recommended. Exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke harms babies, and adult smoking increases the risk of SUDI.
Safe Sleep Environment
To reduce the risk of SUDI, it is important to create a safe sleep environment for the baby. This includes placing the baby on their back, on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear space, away from the edge of the bed, and not between the parents or next to other children or pets. The room should be smoke-free, not too hot, and free of any items that could create a strangulation risk, such as jewellery, teething necklaces, or dummy chains.
Alternatives to Co-Sleeping
Instead of co-sleeping, room-sharing is recommended as it can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. A bedside sleeper is a good alternative, providing a separate sleeping surface for the baby while still allowing for closeness and easy access for breastfeeding.
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Safe co-sleeping practices
Co-sleeping with a newborn can be a rewarding experience for both the parent and the child. It 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 follow safe co-sleeping practices to ensure the baby's safety. Here are some guidelines for safe co-sleeping:
Safe Sleep Environment:
- Ensure the baby's sleep space is clear of any hazards, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other items that could obstruct their breathing.
- Use a firm, flat, and level surface for the baby to sleep on, such as a mattress that fits tightly into the bed frame, leaving no gaps or spaces.
- Keep the baby's sleep environment smoke-free. Exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke is harmful to babies, and adult smoking increases the risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).
- Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smokes, uses alcohol or drugs, or takes medication that causes heavy sleep, as this can impair your ability to respond to the baby.
- Consider the size of the sleep space. It should be big enough to fit everyone comfortably, with a clear space around the baby.
Sleeping Position and Proximity:
- Place the baby on their back, which is the recommended sleeping position for infants.
- Keep the baby on the side of the bed, away from the edge, and next to one parent. Avoid placing the baby between parents or next to other children or pets to reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Breastfeeding mothers may find themselves in a "cuddle curl" position, which helps keep the baby close to the breast and reduces the risk of rolling over onto the baby.
- Avoid co-sleeping if the baby was born pre-term or small for their gestational age, as they may be more vulnerable to breathing hazards.
Feeding Method:
- Breastfeeding is recommended when co-sleeping, as it can help protect infants from SIDS/SUDI and other health conditions.
- Bottle-fed babies should sleep alongside the mother on a separate surface, as they may not have the same level of responsiveness as breastfeeding mothers.
Parental Awareness:
- Ensure that at least one parent is an informed, committed adult who is aware of the baby's presence and can respond to their needs.
- Avoid co-sleeping if you are extremely tired or unwell, as this can impair your ability to care for the baby.
It is important to note that co-sleeping may not be suitable for all families, and it is essential to consider your specific circumstances and make informed decisions. The Safe Sleep Seven checklist can provide further guidance on safe co-sleeping practices.
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The Safe Sleep Seven checklist
The seven steps to safe co-sleeping are:
- No smoking in the home or outside.
- Sober adults: no alcohol, no drowsy medications.
- Breastfeeding day and night.
- A healthy baby who is full-term.
- Baby sleeps on their back and face-up.
- Baby wears light clothing, no swaddling.
- Safe surface: no soft mattress, no extra pillows, no toys, no tight or heavy covers.
By following these guidelines, parents can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and create a safer sleeping environment for their newborn babies. It is important to note that while co-sleeping can have benefits, such as facilitating breastfeeding and bonding, it is not recommended by all medical professionals due to the potential risks involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-sleeping is a tradition in at least 40% of all documented cultures, and it can help with breastfeeding and bonding. However, it 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 do choose to co-sleep, there are ways to reduce the risks, such as keeping the baby on their back, on a firm, flat and level surface, in a clear, smoke-free space.
The biggest risk of co-sleeping is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Other risks include fatal sleep accidents and suffocation.
To make co-sleeping safer, you should place the baby on their back, on a firm, flat and level surface, away from the edge of the bed and to the side of one parent. Keep the baby's head and face uncovered by keeping pillows, blankets and adult bedding away from them. Make sure the room is not too hot and is smoke-free.
The Safe Sleep Seven checklist is a list of seven things that make co-sleeping safer. If you and your baby meet the requirements, you have eliminated the biggest SIDS risks and your baby's overall nighttime risk becomes very small.
