How to co-sleep with a newborn

Co-sleeping with babies is a controversial issue, with experts and parents offering many arguments for and against it. If you choose to share a bed with your baby, make sure you have a full understanding of the best safety measures. Please note that “co-sleeping” can mean either a bed or a room (with a baby in a crib or a “crib” next to the bed), the latter of which is more commonly referred to by experts. ^{[1] X Research Sources} This article focuses on sharing a bed with children.

Table of Contents

Consider the risks

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Admittedly, experts do not recommend co-sleeping. Many studies show that co-sleeping increases the risk of injury, asphyxiation, death from other causes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s important to understand that there’s no really clear solution to reducing these risks, no matter how much you try to think optimistically about safe sleep patterns. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Most pediatricians recommend sharing a room rather than a bed.

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Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of sleeping with your baby. Many pediatricians have a strong opinion about co-sleeping with babies. Some doctors firmly believe in the benefits of co-sleeping for both parents and babies, and therefore support it. Others may not share your excitement and advise you not to do it. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Regardless of your doctor’s personal opinion, ask him or her to provide arguments for and against co-sleeping with an infant, as well as tips for safe sleep.

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Research this issue. The internet provides an enormous amount of information about co-sleeping, some of which is based on conjecture, false assumptions, and fabrications. Look for authentic, scientific research on the subject. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

The American Academy of Pediatrics website and other hospital websites often provide helpful parenting information.
Go to your local library to find materials about the reality of co-sleeping. Search the parent material area and select books by multiple authors. Choose medical books as well as books written by parenting authors, which often provide a wealth of personal experience.

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Understand that when a child is in the same bed, some parents don’t get as much sleep as when the child is not there. While many parents find it easier to co-sleep with their babies, thus getting better sleep, others experience anxiety when co-sleeping with a newborn. The fear of hurting a child can keep parents from sleeping peacefully. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

In addition, many parents become sensitive to any baby’s movements, so they often wake up when the baby cries.

Don’t forget to teach your child to break the habit. If you let your child sleep with you, you will have to help him break the habit, which is very difficult for him to do.

Consider the benefits

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You need to know that your baby can feel comfortable and safe sleeping next to you. So your baby can sleep better throughout the night. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Many babies have difficulty regulating their sleep cycles, and in the first few days after birth, parents notice their babies are awake at night and sleeping during the day. Co-sleeping can be an effective way for parents to regulate their baby’s sleep/wake cycle.

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Consider whether you can get extra sleep if your baby sleeps next to you. Both parents can be exhausted after their baby is born. Waking up to serve every time a baby cries will only aggravate the situation. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Co-sleeping means you don’t have to get out of bed and fumble in the dark to serve your baby when they cry.

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Think about if there’s an easier way to feed your baby at night. Think about how much easier it is for a mother to get some sleep and rest if she lies next to her and breastfeeds at night. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Breastfed babies may ask for food as often as every 1.5 hours. It’s much easier to simply change positions and feed a hungry baby than having to get out of bed every two hours to serve a baby.

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Think about the emotional benefits co-sleeping can have on your baby. Your baby may feel safer sleeping next to you. Therefore, the baby will be less stressed than sleeping in the crib. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Learn about the long-term effects and benefits of co-sleeping on babies. Although co-sleeping is not yet common, many doctors and mental health professionals believe that children who co-sleep with their parents develop greater confidence and self-esteem than children who don’t sleep with their parents. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Know when not to sleep together

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Do not co-sleep with your child when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your sleep may be affected and you may not be aware of the child’s existence. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Do not sleep with a newborn if you or your family members smoke. There is a link between the risk of sudden infant death and parental smoking. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Do not let children or toddlers sleep next to infants. Children are not aware of the existence of the baby when they sleep. Even a toddler can cause infant suffocation if pressed on top of the baby during sleep. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Don’t let your baby sleep alone in your bed. An infant should never sleep in an adult bed without an adult present. Even the smallest newborn baby can crawl to the edge of the bed and be dropped or suffocated by soft sheets, pillows or blankets. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Don’t sleep next to your baby if you’re exhausted from insomnia. Deep sleep can make it hard to tell when your baby is squirming. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Only you understand how well you and your baby get along at night and whether you are a deep or a light sleeper. If there are any problems with the perception of your baby’s presence during the night, you should not co-sleep with your child.

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Don’t sleep with your baby if you’re overweight, especially if you have sleep apnea. Obesity is thought to be the cause of sleep apnea, which increases the risk of suffocation for children when you sleep restlessly. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Prepare the bedroom

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Protect the bedroom in advance. Treat the entire room as a newborn care area and adjust to any necessary safety concerns. ^{[17] X Research Source}

If your bed is near a window, make sure to wash the curtains to remove any lingering dirt. If the bed is placed under an exhaust fan, consider moving it to a different location in the room so that the child is not directly affected by this airflow during sleep.

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Prepare the bed. Before putting your baby to your bed, make the necessary changes to make sure your baby’s safety and comfort are a priority. You also need to change your sleeping position. ^{[18] X Research Source}^{[19] X Research Source}^{[20] X Research Source}

Consider bed size. Is the bed large enough for parents and children to sleep comfortably? Trying to co-sleep with your child without the bed being big enough can be dangerous.
It is recommended to use a firm mattress for the safety of the child. Newborns are highly susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where lack of free air is considered a risk factor. A mattress that’s too soft can create a pocket that traps the air the baby exhales, and causes the baby to re-breathe that air instead of oxygen.
Children should not be allowed to sleep on a water mattress.
Buy a bed sheet that fits the mattress. Bed sheets should always fit snugly against the mattress to avoid wrinkling. Make sure the bed sheet corners are fastened to the mattress to avoid the risk of slipping. You should also pay attention to the quality of bed sheets because rough fabrics can cause a baby’s sensitive skin to become itchy.
Think about removing the headboard or end of the bed because there’s a chance the child could get stuck in it.
Consider the blanket you will use to sleep. Avoid large blankets or other bedding that can easily choke your baby’s neck or muffle her crying. It is best to use thin layers of fabric instead of blankets.

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Place the bed in a stable position. Again, make the necessary changes to accommodate and prioritize your child’s safety. ^{[21] X Research Source}^{[22] X Research Source}^{[23] X Research Source}

Lower the bed or place the mattress on the floor. Accidents can happen, and that’s the easiest way to prevent your child from being injured by falling from the bed.
Push the edge of the bed as close to the wall as possible to prevent the child from falling out of bed. If there is a gap between the bed and the wall, roll up a blanket or towel tightly and fill it in.
Consider buying a bed rail to prevent babies from falling out of bed. Don’t use bed rails designed for older toddlers as they can be dangerous for babies.
Place a plush rug or yoga mat next to the bed to reduce injury in the event of a fall.
Check the area around the bed. Make sure there are no draperies or cords that could potentially get entangled in your child. Check if there is a wall outlet close to the bed. Consider using a safety cover to cover the outlet.

Use sleeping precautions

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Check again to make sure the area around the bed is safe. Remove pillows, stuffed animals, or pillows from the bed. The items in the bed should be those that are absolutely necessary for a safe and pleasant sleep. ^{[24] X Research Sources}

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Consider placing your baby between you and a protected surface such as a wall or railing. Mothers tend to instinctively perceive their baby’s presence better during sleep. It is safer to place the child in that position instead of between the parents. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

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Place your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The “Spine is best” campaign has dramatically reduced sudden infant deaths over the past few years. ^{[26] X Research Source}

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Avoid using anything to cover your baby’s head while they are sleeping. Do not put a sleeping cap on a child because it may pull down to cover the child’s face. You also need to pay attention to blankets, pillows, and other objects that can cover your baby’s face. Newborns cannot push an obstruction in their airway. ^{[27] X Research Source}

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Do not overdress the child. Keep in mind that children may need fewer clothes because body heat is transferred from person to person. Children usually don’t need swaddling to keep warm like adults. ^{[28] X Research Sources}

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Eliminate potential dangers or distractions from your body. In general, the less distance there is between you and your child, the better. This will make breastfeeding easier and strengthen the bond between you and your baby. ^{[29] X Research Sources}

Wear clothes that don’t have belts, buttons, or strings, which can get in your baby’s way while you sleep. Necklaces or other jewelry can also be a potential risk, so use your best judgment.
Avoid using body lotions, deodorants, or hair products with fragrances, which can strip the mother of her natural scent. Babies are instinctively drawn to your natural scent. What’s more, these products can irritate your baby’s tiny nostrils.

Warning

Talk to a healthcare professional about co-sleeping if you or your child have a health problem that jeopardizes safe co-sleeping.

Steps