How To Make Bed Sharing Safe

Make sure both you and your partner want to have your baby sleeping with you in your bed. If one person isn't sure, agree on a trial period, and then assess it. Remember, this approach only works if it suits every member of your family. Make sure your mattress is firm: Your baby could suffocate or overheat if he sleeps on a soft mattress. If your bed has a frame, a headboard or is against a wall, make sure the mattress fits tightly with them so that there is no risk of your baby falling into the gap. Keep bedding light and minimal: If your baby is less than a year old, use lightweight coverings and use them sparingly, so you don't risk him being smothered or overheating. This risk is biggest during his first three months of life. Check every now and then to make sure he hasn't wriggled down so his head is covered.

Never sleep on a sofa or waterbed: Don't sleep with your baby on a sofa as he could get wedged in the cracks between the cushions or between you and the back of the couch. Waterbeds are too soft and may have deep crevices around the frame where your baby could get trapped. Keep him warm, not hot: Dress or swaddle your baby lightly for sleep. Contact with your body will raise his skin temperature. As a rule of thumb, if you're a comfortable temperature, then your baby probably is, too. Read more about how to keep your baby at a safe temperature. Don't let your baby sleep on a pillow: Never put your baby down to sleep on top of or beside a pillow because he risks rolling off it or into it, smothering in its soft folds. Never let babies and toddlers sleep next to each other: You can share a bed with your baby and your toddler as long as they don't sleep next to each other.

Toddlers don't understand the risks, and could roll over onto your baby or put an arm across his mouth or head. You or your partner should always sleep between the children. Don't leave him alone on the bed: Your baby could easily fall out of the bed if you run to the toilet or get up early in the morning. Don't put pillows either side of him if he's asleep and unattended. Put him in a safe place, such as a bassinet or crib, while you are out of the room. You or your partner smoke: Nobody knows exactly why, but when smokers sleep with their babies, the risk of SIDS is higher. You or your partner have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medication or drugs: These substances can impair your memory and make you forget that your baby is in your bed. They can also make you to sleep so soundly that you may not realize it if you roll over on your baby. You feel very tired: Extreme fatigue or a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, may make you sleep so deeply that you're at risk of not awakening if you roll onto your baby.

Your baby was premature: The risks are increased if your baby is premature or of low birth weight. There's no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to sleeping arrangements for you and your baby. Some parents like to sleep with their babies and some don't. Some babies need more night-time comfort and companionship than others. Also, as your baby grows, he might not want to sleep all night, every night, with his parents. It may take some trial and error, but eventually you'll find a method that works for you, your partner, and your baby. If you want to share a bed for a just a short time while your baby is small, read our article about moving your baby out of the family bed and into his own crib. Now that you know how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby, test your knowledge by taking our quiz! CFSID 2004. Information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Canadian Foundation for the study of infant deaths. CPS 2011. Recommendations for safe sleeping environments for infants and children Canadian Paediatric Society. Department of Health/FSID. 2009. Reduce the risk of cot death.