Safe Sleep for Babies: The Risks of Bed Sharing and Co-Sleeping
Safe Sleep for Babies: The Risks of Bed Sharing and Co-Sleeping
The first few months with a new baby can be filled with so much joy. Late-nigh feedings, frequent wakeups, and long days can leave even the most prepared parents feeling sleep deprived.
When you’re tired, it may be tempting to bring your baby to bed with you. Before you do, it’s important to understand safe sleep recommendations and know how to reduce risks during those challenging newborn months.
Create a Safe Sleep Space for Your Baby
Each year, about 3,500 infants in the United States die from sleep-related causes, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended the following safe sleep practices for all infants:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm sleep surface with only a fitted sheet.
- Keep blankets, pillow, toys, and other soft items out of the sleep space.
- Avoid sleep on a couch, armchair, swing, or car seat (except while riding in a car)
- Share a room—but not a bed—for at least the first six months.
Other steps that may help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths include:
- Avoiding exposure to smoke, alcohol, and drug use
- Breastfeed, when possible
- Keep up to date on recommended vaccines
- Offer a pacifier at sleep time
Are Bedside Sleepers and In-Bed Sleepers Safe?
Many products on the market are designed to keep babies close to their parents during sleep. Two common options are bedside sleepers and in-bed sleepers.
Bedside Sleepers
These firm sleep surfaces attach to the side of a parent's bed.
The US. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) established safety standards for these products, but the AAP does not recommend using them due to insufficient research to determine whether beside sleepers affect the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.
In-Bed Sleepers
In-bed sleepers are raised sleep spaces placed directly on an adult mattress.
Unlike bedside sleepers, in-bed sleepers do not have specific CPSC standards. Because there is limited research on these products, the AAP does not recommend for or against their use.
Given the lack of evidence on both products, parents are encouraged to follow establish safe sleep guidelines when possible.
Feeding Your Baby Safely When You’re Exhausted
Nighttime feedings are an important part of caring for a newborn, but they can also be one of the most challenging times for tired parents.
"Infants do need frequent feeding, often provided by sleep-deprived parents," says Alanna Brickley, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health. "In their guidelines, the AAP acknowledged that parents do frequently fall asleep while feeding infants."
If you feel sleepy while feeding your baby, avoid couches and armchairs. These are among the most dangerous places for an infant to sleep.
If a parent does fall asleep, the infant should be placed back on a separate sleep surface as soon as the parent wakes up.
If You Choose to Co-Sleep
If a parent decides to co-sleep with their babies, Brickley recommends placing the baby in a bedside sleeper that provides a separate sleep surface.
It’s also important to note that the risk of bed sharing is especially during the first four months of life.
"Co-sleeping is considered positive by many—in terms of parent-infant bonding and potentially improved maternal sleep as breastfeeding may be easier," Brickley says. "Parents are entitled to make whatever decision they choose is best for their family. I think my role as a pediatrician is to make sure to discuss the evidence behind recommendations so that parents can make informed decisions."
If you’re unsure about the safest sleep setup for your family, start the conversation with your child’s pediatrician. Together, you can make informed decisions that support both your baby’s safety and your family’s well-being.
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