Co-sleeping, or sharing a sleep surface with your baby, is a practice that many parents choose for bonding, ease of breastfeeding, or to help their baby sleep better.
However, it’s essential to practice safe co-sleeping to minimize risks and ensure both the baby and parents sleep comfortably and safely.
Here are some key guidelines for practicing safe co-sleeping with your baby:
1. Use a safe sleep surface
- Flat, Firm Mattress: Ensure the surface where you and your baby sleep is firm and flat, without soft bedding, pillows, or plush toys that can pose a suffocation hazard.
- Avoid Soft Furniture: Do not co-sleep on soft surfaces like sofas, armchairs, or recliners, as these increase the risk of suffocation and falling.
- Co-Sleeping Bassinet: Consider using a sidecar bassinet that attaches to the side of your bed, providing a separate, safe sleeping space for your baby but keeping them close for easy access.
2. Place baby on their back to sleep
Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is a critical guideline whether you are co-sleeping or using a crib.
3. Ensure baby’s head is uncovered
Keep your baby’s head uncovered to reduce the risk of suffocation. Avoid using blankets or comforters that could accidentally cover the baby’s face. Use a wearable sleep sack or swaddle designed for infants to keep them warm without the risk of loose blankets.
4. Avoid overheating
Ensure that your baby is not too hot while co-sleeping. Overheating is a significant risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby in appropriate layers based on the room temperature and avoid heavy blankets. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (around 68-72°F or 20-22°C).
5. Keep pillows, blankets, and other hazards away
Keep pillows, blankets, or any other objects away from your baby’s sleeping area to prevent suffocation or overheating. Make sure the baby cannot roll into any dangerous spaces, such as between the bed and the wall, or under pillows.
6. Ensure baby cannot fall
Make sure that the baby cannot fall out of bed by placing the crib or bassinet against the wall or using a bed rail. Avoid leaving your baby unsupervised on the bed, and ensure they cannot roll off onto the floor. Always stay close to the baby, and be mindful of movements that may unintentionally cause harm.
7. Avoid alcohol and drug use
Parents should avoid alcohol consumption, drug use, or heavy medication before co-sleeping. These substances can impair your ability to respond to your baby and increase the risk of accidents, such as rolling over onto the baby.
8. Avoid co-sleeping if you are a heavy sleeper
If you or your partner are heavy sleepers who have difficulty waking up, it might not be safe to co-sleep. Parents who are excessively tired or who sleep deeply may not be aware of their movements, which increases the risk of unintentionally rolling over onto the baby.
9. Supervised co-sleeping
It’s essential to supervise your baby during sleep. If you need a break, place your baby in their own safe sleep space (like a crib or bassinet) instead of leaving them unsupervised on the bed.
10. Follow safe sleep guidelines
Be mindful of the recommendations from trusted organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which advises against bed-sharing with infants but supports co-sleeping in the same room for at least the first six months to a year.
