Snuggle Safely: A Guide to Safe Co-Sleeping with Your Baby

Read this to learn about safe co-sleeping with your baby. Discover safe sleeping positions for co-sleeping, safety guidelines, expert advice, and more.

You’re here because, as a new parent, you’re pondering the safety of co-sleeping. This practice of sharing a sleeping area with your baby has been a constant topic of debate.

Some parents swear by it, while others are concerned about safety hazards. Safe co-sleeping is a different ballgame. It allows new parents like you to be near your baby while minimizing risks.

Safe co-sleeping is about creating a restful and protective space for your little one. You need to stick to specific guidelines and take steps to keep your baby safe all night long.

This article aims to give you the information you need to make an informed choice based on the advice of your healthcare provider. Taking all the necessary precautions is crucial so you can enjoy bonding time with your baby’s safety as the number one priority.

Key Takeaways

• Co-sleeping can mean either of two things. The first is bed-sharing, where the caregiver and baby sleep on the same surface. The second is room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the parents' room but has their own separate sleeping space.

• Studies indicate that room-sharing lowers the chances of SIDS. It's a safer option than bed sharing or letting the baby sleep alone in its room.

• Health experts don’t recommend bed-sharing and instead advise parents to have their babies sleep in the same room on a separate sleep surface for the first 6 months.  

• Co-sleeping has benefits, including better bonding and sleep quality for your baby. It also makes breastfeeding more accessible and allows you to know and respond to your baby’s needs.

• If you decide to co-sleep, consult your healthcare provider about other ways to make the setup safer.

• The C position is the safest sleeping position for bed-sharing. Lie on your side with your body forming a protective C-shape around your baby. Place your lower arm above your baby's head and bend your knees so they tuck under their feet.    

• Whether bed-sharing or room-sharing, it’s crucial to follow safe co-sleeping guidelines, such as using a firm and flat mattress, clearing away any loose bedding, and keeping the bedroom smoke-free and well-ventilated. (We explain these in detail later in this article.)

• Use specially designed products to make co-sleeping safer. These include co-sleepers, bassinets, bed rails and wearable blankets, to name a few.

What Are the Risks of Co-Sleeping According to Experts?

As you may have noticed, we’ve emphasized the word “safe” concerning co-sleeping. That’s because there are risks. It’s essential to know these before you consider co-sleeping with your baby.

There are two types of co-sleeping. The first is “bed-sharing,” where a parent and child sleep together on the same bed. The other is “room-sharing,” where the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents but uses a separate sleeping surface like a bassinet or crib.

Now let’s get into what the experts have to say about co-sleeping and how it relates to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

According to Safe to Sleep: “Research shows that room sharing reduces the risk of SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths. It is safer than bed sharing and having babies sleep in their own room.⁽¹⁾”

Healthy Children says, “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and it's much safer than bed sharing.⁽²⁾”

A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that: “Bed sharing is a risk factor for SIDS and is especially enhanced in smoking parents and in very young infants.⁽³⁾”

The National Library of Medicine published a study stating that “when infants sleep in their own crib, they are significantly safer than when they bedshare.”

The same study also says, "As of May 2004, the United Kingdom’s Department of Health has also advised against bedsharing, and instead recommended that babies sleep in their own crib in the parent’s room for the first six months of life.⁽⁴⁾”

Meanwhile, Dr. James McKenna, an expert on co-sleeping and the director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame, advocates for safe co-sleeping practices.

Whether it’s room or bed-sharing: “Infants should always sleep on their backs, on firm surfaces, on clean surfaces, in the absence of (secondhand) smoke, under light (comfortable) blanketing, and their heads should never be covered.⁽⁵⁾”

That all said, many people in the U.S. still opt for bed sharing. Another study published in the National Library of Medicine found that: “Of 18,986 participants, 11% reported usually bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increased between 1993 (6.0%) and 2010 (13.5%)⁽⁶⁾.”

Following safe co-sleeping guidelines can reduce the potential risk if you choose to bed shares. We’ll discuss these later, so keep reading.

What Are the Benefits of Safe Co-Sleeping?

Safe co-sleeping has its perks. That’s why it's so appealing to new parents. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Better Bonding: Sharing a sleeping space can enhance your emotional bond with your baby. The physical warmth and close proximity offer you both comfort.

• Good Sleep Quality: Many parents find their baby enjoys deeper, more restful sleep when safe co-sleeping. Your comforting scent, noises, and movements can help calm your baby for more extended periods of continuous sleep.

• Easier Breastfeeding: Safe co-sleeping makes breastfeeding easier, especially in the wee hours. Being close to your baby means you can quickly address your baby's hunger signals.

• Increased Confidence in Parenthood: Room sharing with your baby can boost your confidence as a parent. Addressing your baby's needs and offering comfort swiftly is empowering and comforting.

Bed Sharing With Baby: What Are the Best Co-Sleeping Positions?

If you choose to bed share, it’s crucial to prioritize your baby’s safety. And just like there are recommended sleeping positions while pregnant, there are recommended safe sleeping positions for co-sleeping. Here are a few to consider:

Most experts say that the C position is the safest way to bed share with your baby. Baby Centre says: “If you’re breastfeeding, you'll probably adopt this position instinctively, as it helps to have your baby lying level with your breasts so he can feed during the night.⁽⁷⁾”

The C position involves lying on your side, facing your baby and your body forming a C-shape around them. Put your lower arm above your baby's head and tuck your knees under their feet. This position helps prevent you from rolling forward or backward and keeps pillows away from your baby's head.

You may want to consider the spooning position when your baby is older. Position yourself on your side, with your baby's back resting against your chest. Hold your baby firmly with your arm to prevent any rolling or falling.

Remember that it’s paramount to ensure your baby's airway stays clear and their body temperature is regulated. Be extra vigilant when your baby moves, and shift your position as necessary.

How Do You Safely Co-Sleep With a Baby?

If you've chosen to start co-sleeping, playing by the rules to keep your baby safe is essential. It's also crucial to create a sleep-conducive environment to help your baby (and you) get a restful and secure night's sleep.

Here are some essentials:

• Choose the Right Mattress: Choose a firm, flat mattress with no gaps or indentations where your baby could get stuck. Avoid soft bedding, as it poses a greater risk of suffocation.

• Clear the Sleep Area: Ensure your baby's sleeping space is clear of loose blankets, pillows, or other soft items that might affect their breathing. Loose bedding can also trap them. If it's extra cold and you must keep the baby warm, choose a light, breathable sleep sack or a wearable blanket.

• Create a Safe Sleep Zone: If you are bed-sharing, designate a safe sleeping zone for your little one within your bed. Keep your baby away from the edges and any areas that could pose a risk of entrapment.

• Consider a Co-Sleeper or Bassinet: Feeling uncertain about bed-sharing? Use a co-sleeper or a side-car bassinet. These options offer a safe and snug sleeping area for your baby while keeping them close enough for you to reach easily.

• Take Precautions Against Overheating: To avoid getting too hot, clothe your baby in light garments and keep the room cozy. Overheating can put them at a higher risk of SIDS. If you can control the thermostat, aim for a bedroom temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit in summer or winter.

• Keep Your Environment Smoke-Free: Secondhand smoke puts your baby at a higher risk of SIDS, so keep your co-sleeping area smoke-free.

• Keep the Sleep Space Well-ventilated: Crack a window open or use a fan to circulate air in the bedroom. This helps prevent the space from getting too hot and reduces the buildup of carbon dioxide.

• No to Alcohol and Drugs: Never co-sleep with your baby if you've been drinking alcohol or using any drugs or medications. These negatively affect your alertness or ability to respond.

• Stick to Age-Appropriate Guidelines: Co-sleeping with babies younger than six months is relatively safe if you stick to the guidelines. As they age, tweak your co-sleeping habits or move them to their sleeping area.

It goes without saying to keep your healthcare provider in the loop and follow their recommendations. Follow these guidelines to create a comfortable co-sleeping oasis and minimize risks for your baby.

Tips for Safe Co-Sleeping With Your Baby

If you choose to bed-share with your baby, follow these crucial guidelines and any others that your doctor recommends:

• Follow the Safe Sleep Guidelines: Follow the recommended safety guidelines for co-sleeping, such as using a firm mattress, removing loose blankets or sheets, and ensuring the sleeping area is smoke-free.

• Set Boundaries: Co-sleeping enhances bonding, but it’s crucial to establish physical boundaries to avoid accidents. Using a firm separator, such as a co-sleeper, creates a safer, designated area for your little one.

• Coordinate with Your Partner: If you’re also sharing a bed with your partner, communicate openly to prevent unintentional rolling or laying on your little one.

• Keep Alert and Responsive: When bed-sharing, it’s essential to stay extra alert to your baby's movements and signals. Don’t sleep medicated, as it hinders a quick response to your baby's needs.

• Transition to a Separate Sleep Space When It’s Time: As your little one grows bigger and more active, moving them to their own sleeping area is essential. It’ll prevent the dangers of bed-sharing with you, older babies or toddlers. The Lullaby Trust says: “Babies should always be in the same room as you for at least the first six months for sleep, day and night^{8).”

Follow these recommendations and stay extra vigilant to enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping. Your baby's safety and health are the top priorities.

What Are Products to Make Co-Sleeping Safer?

So, now you’re aware of the risks, benefits, and safe co-sleeping positions. Let’s move on to products that can make your co-sleeping environment safer. Here are a few for your consideration:

• Co-Sleepers or Side-Car Bassinets: These fasten to the side of your bed, serving as a separate sleep space for your baby. The beauty of these is they keep your baby within easy reach. They’re a safer, more convenient way to co-sleep, especially during your little one’s early months.

• Bed Rails or Guardrails: Attaching bed rails or guardrails to your bed can help keep your baby from rolling off while sleeping, giving you more peace of mind as an additional safety measure while co-sleeping.

• Breathable Mattress Pads: Using breathable mattress pads for your baby’s sleep area can help regulate their body temperature and minimize the risk of overheating, a risk factor for SIDS.

• Baby Sleep Sacks or Wearable Blankets: You might wonder how to keep your baby warm safely when the temperatures are low. These sleep sacks or wearable blankets keep your little one warm and secure, eliminating the need for regular blankets. Remember that loose bedding poses a suffocation hazard while co-sleeping.

• White Noise Machines: These aren’t specifically designed for safe co-sleeping, but they can calm and soothe your baby for deeper, more restful sleep.

Yes, these products can make your co-sleeping setup safer. But remember that they aren’t a substitute for safe co-sleeping rules and practices. Think of them as complementary to the guidelines for the ultimate priority: your baby's safety and well-being.

Conclusion

Safe co-sleeping is a beautiful way to bond with your baby while allowing you to respond to their needs swiftly. Remember to keep the safe co-sleeping positions, guidelines and products in kind as you create your sleep setup.

Ideally, you should opt for room-sharing versus bed-sharing to minimize the risks to your baby’s safety. It’s also essential to consult with your healthcare provider before choosing between the two.

We hope this blog post helps you enjoy the benefits of safe co-sleeping. There’s nothing like offering your little one the love and comfort essential for their growth. Knowing you’re doing everything you can to keep them safe will give you peace of mind. Sleep tight and safe cuddles!

Sources:  

(1) “Safe Sleep Environment for Baby.” Safe to Sleep, safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/safe-sleep-environment. Accessed 20 June 2024.

(2) “How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained.” Healthy Children, www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/a-parents-guide-to-safe-sleep.aspx. Accessed 20 June 2024.

(3) “Bed Sharing and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Can We Resolve the Debate?” The Journal of Pediatrics, www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(11)00680-9/fulltext Accessed 20 June 2024.

(4) “Recommendations for safe sleeping environments for infants and children.” National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724135/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

(5) “Safe Cosleeping Guidelines.” University of Notre Dame, cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

(6) “Trends and Factors Associated with Bed-Sharing: The National Infant Sleep Position Study (NISP) 1993–2010.” National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3903787/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

(7) “Co-sleeping and safety.” BabyCenter, www.babycentre.co.uk/a558334/co-sleeping-and-safety. Accessed 20 June 2024.

(8) “Co-sleeping with your baby.” The Lullaby Trust, www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/co-sleeping/. Accessed 20 June 2024.

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