Evie Summers
Co-sleeping, or bed sharing, is when a baby shares a bed with an adult for most of the night. While co-sleeping has its benefits, such as convenience and ease of breastfeeding, it is not recommended due to safety concerns. These include the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. To mitigate these risks, some parents opt for a co-sleeper bassinet, which attaches to the side of the bed, providing a separate sleep space for the baby while keeping them close by. However, co-sleepers are typically outgrown by the time a baby learns to roll over or sit up, so parents then need to transition to a crib or cot. This article will explore the considerations for using a co-sleeper bassinet and provide guidance on what to use after your baby has outgrown it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baby's sleep space | Clear, not too hot, smoke-free, and separate from parents' bed |
| Baby's sleep position | On their back, not on their tummy or side |
| Mattress | Firm, flat, and level |
| Bedding | Minimal, light, and separate from adult bedding |
| Co-sleeping risks | Overheating, suffocation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) |
| Co-sleeping considerations | Baby's age, weight, and health; parental smoking, alcohol consumption, and medication use |
| Co-sleeper products | Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper, Cambria Co-Sleeper, bassinet, crib |
| Co-sleeper features | Adjustable legs, attachable to parents' bed, safe for babies until they can push up on hands and knees |
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What You'll Learn
Safety considerations for co-sleeping
While co-sleeping can be a convenient option for parents, it is important to keep in mind certain safety considerations to ensure the well-being of your baby. Here are some detailed guidelines to make co-sleeping safer:
Room Sharing vs Bed Sharing:
It is important to distinguish between room sharing and bed sharing. Room sharing involves having your baby sleep in the same room as you, but in their separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Bed sharing, on the other hand, refers to when a baby shares the same bed with an adult for most of the night. Bed sharing can introduce potential hazards, so it is generally recommended to practice room sharing instead.
Create a Safe Sleep Space:
Whether you choose to co-sleep or not, always ensure your baby has a safe sleep space. This means using a firm and flat mattress, free from soft materials like waterbeds, lamb's wool underlays, or pillows. Keep adult bedding, belts, cords, and loose items away from the baby to prevent entanglement or suffocation hazards. The baby should be placed on their back, with their head and face uncovered, to protect their airways.
Avoid Risk Factors:
Certain risk factors increase the hazards associated with co-sleeping. Avoid co-sleeping if your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight (below 2.5 kg or 5.5 pounds). Do not co-sleep if you or your partner have consumed alcohol, smoked, or taken medications or drugs that cause drowsiness. Additionally, if your baby was exposed to smoke during pregnancy, it is best to avoid co-sleeping.
Use a Co-Sleeper or Bassinet:
Consider using a co-sleeper that attaches securely to your bed or a bassinet placed next to your bed. These options allow your baby to be close by, facilitating easy access for checking on, comforting, and nursing them. Ensure that the co-sleeper is sturdy, with secure sides, and that the mattress fits snugly inside. However, keep in mind that your baby will outgrow a co-sleeper quickly, usually by the time they can roll over or sit up.
Positioning and Awareness:
When bed sharing, position your baby on their back, next to one parent, away from the edge of the bed. Avoid placing the baby in the middle between two adults or next to other children or pets, as this can increase the risk of overheating and suffocation. Additionally, be aware of your baby's presence in the bed at all times, and ensure that any bed-sharer acknowledges their responsibility for the infant's safety.
Remember, 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. However, if you choose to co-sleep or find yourself unintentionally co-sleeping, implementing these safety considerations can help reduce potential risks.
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Alternatives to co-sleeping
Co-sleeping, or bed sharing, is when a baby shares a bed with an adult for most of the night. While 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.
Room Sharing
Room sharing is when a baby sleeps in the same room as their parent(s) or carer, but in their own separate sleeping space, such as a cot, bassinet, Moses basket, or crib. This allows parents to have easy access to their baby for feeding and comforting, while still providing a safe and separate sleep space. It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months of life to reduce the risk of SUDI.
Safe Sleep Spaces
Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial. Whether they are room sharing or sleeping in a separate room, their sleep space should be clear, not too hot, and smoke-free. The mattress should be firm, flat, and level, with minimal bedding to prevent overheating and suffocation. Avoid soft bedding, such as waterbeds, lamb's wool underlays, folded blankets, or pillows. Keep the baby's head and face uncovered, and remove any hats or hoods before sleep. Ensure there are no gaps between the wall and the bed that the baby can fall into, and no hanging cords or sharp edges.
Co-Sleepers
Co-sleepers are bedside bassinets that attach to the parent's bed, providing a separate sleep space for the baby while keeping them close by. Co-sleepers can make night feedings and comfortings easier, especially for breastfeeding mothers. However, they are typically only used for a few months until the baby can roll over or sit up. When choosing a co-sleeper, ensure it attaches securely to your bed, with sturdy sides that won't fold in. Check for loose parts, sharp edges, and ensure the mattress fits snugly inside.
Sleep Training
If you decide to transition your baby to their own room, sleep training can help them learn to sleep independently. There are various methods available, such as the "no-cry" method or the "CIO" (cry-it-out) method. You can find resources and tips online or consult a sleep consultant to determine the best approach for your family.
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Preparing your baby for a new sleep space
Choose the right sleep space
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot, Moses basket, or bassinet, free from toys, blankets, and pillows. This helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Make sure the mattress is firm, flat, and level, and that there are no gaps between the wall and the bed that the baby can fall into. If you're using a co-sleeper, bassinet, or crib, follow the same safe-sleep guidelines: no baby pillows, blankets, toys, or loose-fitting sheets.
Create a safe sleep environment
Keep the sleep space clear and free from hazards. Remove pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and any other items that could obstruct your baby's airways or lead to suffocation. Ensure your baby's face and head are uncovered, and remove any hats or hoods before sleep. If you're co-sleeping, keep adult bedding away from the baby, and avoid sharing a bed if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or take medicines that make you sleepy.
Prepare your baby gradually
You can start preparing your baby for their new sleep space around four months old for a seamless transition. If you're using a co-sleeper, your baby will likely outgrow it once they master rolling over or sitting up, so it's important to plan ahead. You can gradually transition your baby to a new sleep space by placing them in the bassinet awake and using techniques like gently rocking the bassinet or singing to them.
Make the new sleep space familiar
One way to help your baby feel more comfortable in their new sleep space is to transfer your scent to their sheets. Sleeping on your baby's sheets will comfort them and make them feel more secure, potentially leading to longer stretches of sleep.
Consider room-sharing
If you want to continue having your baby nearby, you can transition to room-sharing. This involves having your baby sleep in their own separate sleep space within the same room as you. This can provide peace of mind and make night feedings and check-ins easier.
Remember, every baby is unique, so make the decision that feels right for you and your family. These tips can help you prepare your baby for their new sleep space and ensure a smoother transition for both you and your little one.
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Safe sleep recommendations
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot, Moses basket, or bassinet, free from toys, blankets, and pillows. This helps lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, many parents find themselves co-sleeping, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
If you choose to co-sleep, it is important to know how to reduce the risks, as there are some circumstances where co-sleeping with your baby can be especially dangerous. Here are some recommendations to make co-sleeping safer:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep (never on their tummy or side). This helps to protect their airways.
- Keep the baby's head and face uncovered by keeping pillows and adult bedding away from them.
- Use a safe sleeping bag with no hood and with the baby's arms out. Do not wrap or swaddle the baby when bed-sharing or co-sleeping.
- Make sure the mattress is firm and flat. Do not use a waterbed or anything soft underneath, such as a lamb's wool underlay or pillows.
- Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or take drugs or medication that makes you feel sleepy or less aware.
- Do not co-sleep if your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
- Keep the sleep space clear of any hazards, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, or loose bedding.
- Consider using a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed, providing a separate sleep space for your baby while still allowing them to be close to you.
- Ensure the co-sleeper attaches securely and has sturdy sides to prevent gaps between the bed and the co-sleeper.
- Use the mattress that comes with the co-sleeper or one that is specifically designed for it, and outfit it with only a fitted sheet.
- Be mindful of the weight and age limits of co-sleepers, as babies will outgrow them quickly once they master rolling over or sitting up.
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Co-sleeping pros and cons
Co-sleeping, also known as bed-sharing, is a highly controversial topic. While many leading health organisations advise against it, citing safety concerns, some parents still choose to co-sleep for its purported benefits.
Pros
Co-sleeping allows parents to be close to their baby, which can be comforting for both parties. It can promote bonding and help children feel safe. It is also convenient, as it enables parents to respond to their baby's needs quickly and easily, especially during nighttime nursing. For breastfeeding mothers, co-sleeping can make it easier to feed the baby without fully waking up, which can help both mother and baby get back to sleep. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggested that mothers who regularly bed-share with their infants are more likely to breastfeed for longer.
Cons
The main concern with co-sleeping is the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and other sleep-related deaths. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should sleep in the same room as their parents but on a separate sleep surface, such as a cot or Moses basket, to reduce the risk of SIDS. Co-sleeping is especially dangerous if the baby was premature or low birth weight, or if the adult in the bed has consumed alcohol or taken medications that cause drowsiness. Additionally, co-sleeping on a couch, armchair, or soft, lumpy surface can create air pockets that make it difficult for the baby to breathe.
While co-sleeping can be a convenient and comforting option for some families, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and follow safety guidelines to create a safe sleep environment for the baby.
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Frequently asked questions
A co-sleeper is a separate sleep space for your baby that can be placed right next to or attached to a parent's bed. This allows parents to keep their babies close by, making it easier to check on, comfort, and nurse them.
The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinet is a popular option that can be placed next to or attached to the parent's bed. It has adjustable legs and safety-tested products. Another option is the Cambria Co-Sleeper, which also has adjustable legs and can double as a play yard.
It is important to ensure that the co-sleeper attaches securely to the bed and has sturdy sides to prevent any gaps between the bed and the co-sleeper. The mattress should fit snugly, and the baby's sleep space should be clear of any loose items such as pillows, blankets, or toys. The baby should always be placed on their back to sleep, and the mattress should be firm and flat.
Babies will outgrow a co-sleeper once they master rolling over or sitting up. The manufacturer of the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper states that their products can be used until the baby is 5 months old or can push up on their hands and knees. It is recommended to gradually start the transition process around 4 months of age.
