Bed sharing with your baby: best practices

Apr 14

As a parent, it can feel like everyone has an opinion on navigating sleep with a baby. There's a lot of conflicting advice out there, and when it comes to bed-sharing with your little one, the discussion can be heated.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend sharing a bed with your baby as research suggests it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

With that said, many parents still choose to bed share with their little ones.

It's important to acknowledge that every family's sleep needs are unique. But parents who decide to practice bed sharing should be aware of the risks and follow best practices to keep their baby safe.

Have your baby at the level of your breast

Your baby should be positioned flat on the mattress with their face at the level of your breast or chest. Adopting the C-position, known as the "cuddle curl," to surround your little one protectively is recommended. To achieve this, your baby should be on their back, with your legs and arms curled around them, creating a C-shape.

This optimal sleeping position allows you to feel and see your little one easily and reduces the chances of you rolling over onto your baby during the night.

Always place your baby on their back

The risk of SIDS is reduced by placing your little one on their back to sleep.

Studies suggest that stomach sleeping may increase the risk of SIDS through the following mechanisms:

Carbon dioxide build-up and low oxygen levels from the baby re-breathing their exhaled breath
Upper airway obstruction
Interference with body heat dissipation, resulting in overheating

Whether bed sharing or putting your little one down in their crib, always place them on their back for sleep.

Keep bedding to a minimum

You should continue to follow the safe sleep guidelines outlined by the AAP and keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and bumpers out of your little one's sleep space.

Soft objects can obstruct an infant's airway causing suffocation and an increased risk of SIDS. So, while you might be used to sleeping with a comforter or blanket, if you plan on bed-sharing with your little one, you'll have to adjust to a minimalist sleeping environment to keep them safe.

Make sure the mattress isn't too soft

A firm mattress is crucial for safe bed-sharing. If your mattress is too soft and fails to provide sufficient support, your baby's airway may become blocked, resulting in suffocation.

Additionally, always ensure that your baby is sleeping on a flat surface. Don't ever sleep with your little one on a couch, chair, or recliner where they could roll and fall.

Monitor your baby's temperature

Babies are prone to overheating as their thermoregulatory system is not yet fully developed. Therefore, monitoring your little one's temperature is essential to prevent overheating, as it's a known risk factor for SIDS.

A normal body temperature for an infant is between 96.8 and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Feel your baby's head and hands to check if they're comfortable. They shouldn't be sweating or feel cold to the touch.

Dress your little one in layers appropriate for the weather, but do not use a swaddle or sleep sack when bed-sharing. Your baby needs their arms and legs free to alert you when they need assistance and to shift into optimal, safe sleeping positions.

Watch for cords and gaps

Check your sleeping environment for cords, gaps, or other hazards that could pose a risk to your baby. For example, a bed pushed against a wall or a bedside table can create a small gap that your baby could fall into.

This is of particular concern when your baby learns to roll over on their own, as they may maneuver themselves into the gap and get stuck.

Bed-sharing deal breakers

There are certain scenarios that are deal breakers when it comes to bed-sharing with your baby.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, avoid sharing a bed with your little one if:

Your baby was premature
You or your partner have been drinking alcohol
You take medication that impacts your sleep
You or your partner smoke

Navigating sleep with your little one

While the AAP strongly advises against bed sharing with infants under one, many parents still choose to bring their baby into bed with them.

In line with the AAP safe sleep guidelines, the team at My Sweet Sleeper does not recommend sharing a bed with your baby before their first birthday. However, if you decide to bring your little one into bed with you, be mindful of the potential risks and follow best practices to keep your baby safe.

If you would like professional advice on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your little one, we have many support options available.

What should never be in your baby's crib for safe sleep and why.

How to help your baby sleep in their crib or bassinet

How to get a toddler to sleep in their own bed after co-sleeping.

Safe Sleep