Safe co-sleeping

Opinion is divided about the benefits or otherwise of co-sleeping, where baby and parent or parents sleep in the adult bed together at night.

While some research indicates it has benefits – including better sleep patterns and more successful breastfeeding – if certain risk factors are present (for example, if parents are smokers or are under the influence of alcohol) then co-sleeping is associated with a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also referred to as crib death. Likewise, if either parent has a medical condition (insulin dependent diabetes for example), it is unwise to co-sleep in case of a temporary loss of consciousness occurring.

There are many people who believe that co-sleeping helps your growing baby feel more secure and it can also help you bond with your child through physical closeness. If you’re co-sleeping with your baby, follow these tips to help keep him safe…

1. Wait until he’s three months old

It’s advised that you wait until your baby is three months old before co-sleeping. This is because the second month of a baby’s life sees the highest risk of SIDS occurring.

2. Don’t sleep with your preemie

Avoid co-sleeping your baby if he was premature (born earlier than 37 weeks) or his birthweight was less than 5.5lb.

3. Factor in yourselves

Don’t co-sleep with your baby if either one of you smokes, has been drinking alcohol, is on drugs or medication or are extremely tired.

4. Give him some space

Position your baby away from you, on his back, while ensuring he can’t fall out of the bed or become trapped between the mattress and the wall.

5. Make sure he doesn’t overheat

Use lightweight blankets rather than a heavy comforter or quilt, and ensure that your baby’s head doesn’t become covered during the night. A good precaution is to sleep your baby in a sleeping bag and don’t cover her with your blankets at all.

6. Supervise him

Do not leave your baby to sleep on his own in an adult bed.

The American SIDS Institute advises that the safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in his crib in your room. However, if you do choose to co-sleep, keep in mind that it is especially dangerous if you smoke, drink, take drugs or are overtired.

See our article on how to create a safe sleeping environment or watch our video guide to safely co-sleeping.

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• American SIDS Institute (www.sids.org) helpline: 1-800-232-7437

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.