The Co-Sleeping with Your Baby Guide

If you do choose to co-sleep, here are some safety precautions to help reduce the risks of sharing a bed with your baby.

1. Make your bed a safer sleeping environment

Keep pillows, sheets, and blankets away from your baby, taking particular care to keep their head uncovered to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Anything that could potentially restrict their breathing or make them overheat should not be in your bed. If your room temperature is cool, invest in a safe sleeping bag for your baby, it’ll keep them snuggly and safe.

If you have the luxury of space, invest in a king-size bed so make sure you have plenty of room to co-sleep safely. When it comes to mattresses, a firm, flat mattress that mimics the bottom of a cot is the best choice. Take extra care to make sure your baby cannot be trapped by any gaps between the mattress and any surrounding walls.

2. Think about co-sleeping positions

It is important to always put your baby to sleep on their back. A recommended co-sleeping position to adopt is the “C” position, where you lie on your side and face your baby. Your body shape will look just like the letter C. Bring your knees up under your baby’s feet, then put your lower arm above their head to keep pillows away. This also stops you from rolling forwards and backwards.

3. Keep pets and other children away from the bed

To make the sleep environment as safe as possible, it’s important to keep others away from the bed whilst your baby is in it. Make sure older children and pets are kept well away to prevent accidents. It goes without saying, but never leave your baby unattended in an adult bed.

There are times and certain circumstances when you should never co-sleep with your baby because it simply isn’t safe. The Lullaby Trust and NHS state that you should never co-sleep if:

• Either you or your partner smokes (inside or outside the bedroom)
• You or your partner has drunk alcohol
• You or your partner has taken any drugs or medication that can cause drowsiness
• Your baby was born before 37 weeks (premature)
• Your baby was born weighing less than 5.5lb
• You or your partner feel excessively tired or unwell.

It’s also important to never fall asleep on an armchair or sofa with your baby, as research has shown it increases the danger of SIDS by 50 times.

The Lullaby Trust recommends assessing how appropriate it is to co-sleep before every bedtime, as any change in circumstances can impact your baby’s safety.