Co-Sleeping: What It Is and Why You Shouldn't Do It

“Co-sleeping” with your baby has become a hot topic (again!). If you’re on TikTok, you may have seen videos from moms saying they love co-sleeping with their babies. But you’ve also likely seen videos from moms (and dads) warning of the risks of co-sleeping; sadly many of these parents have lost their babies due to co-sleeping.

A recent survey revealed that about half of parents co-sleep with their babies – even when they know the risks. There are a number of reasons parents desire to co-sleep, but experts say the risks are simply too great especially because there are no proven benefits to the practice.

Let’s take a look at reasons parents co-sleep, the associated risks, and safer alternatives. (As with any health issue, if you’re concerned about your baby’s sleep, talk to your pediatrician.)

What is co-sleeping?
 
Co-sleeping, also known as bed-sharing, is when a parent(s) and baby sleep in the same bed. This is different than room-sharing, where a baby sleeps in his own crib or bassinet inside the parents’ bedroom.
 
Why do parents co-sleep?
 
Parents give many reasons for wanting to co-sleep with their babies. For some, it’s a cultural norm. For others, it’s about convenience. Some parents think they – and their babies – sleep better (and more) in the same bed. Some parents believe co-sleeping provides other benefits for the baby: they think it’s easier for mom and baby to bond when mom and baby sleep skin-to-skin, easier to continue breastfeeding when mom doesn’t have to get up at night, and it’s a way to make children feel safe and secure. Some simply say co-sleeping gives them peace of mind. 
 
What do the experts say?
 
The American Academy of Pediatrics has taken a clear and public stand against co-sleeping with infants because of a number of risks to the baby including increased risk of accidental deaths, SIDS, suffocation, and other sleep-related deaths. Let’s look at some of these risks:
 
·       Increased risk of SIDS. One study found the risk of SIDS is 10x higher for babies who co-sleep with adults. NPR reported that low-risk babies (with no medical conditions interfering with breathing or other issues such as prematurity) have a 1 in 46,000 chance of dying from SIDS, but that risk increases to 1 in 16,400 for a baby co-sleeping with a parent.·       Increased risk of suffocation. One report found there are about 100 deaths a year from parents’ rolling onto their babies in bed. This risk is increased if a parent has a sleeping disorder or has been drinking. And while adults may enjoy a soft mattress, lots of pillows, and fluffy blankets, these are all suffocation hazards for babies.

·       Increased risk of strangulation. There is also the risk for babies to get trapped between a mattress and a head board, foot board, or a wall, potentially resulting in strangulation.

·       Increased risk of falling injuries. Cribs have rails to keep babies from falling out, but adult beds don’t have the same protection. Babies can roll off a bed, injuring themselves in a fall from the bed to the floor.
 
According to a 2021 study from the Royal College OBGYN in the United Kingdom, risks for sleeping-related deaths are greater if
·       Parent and baby are sleeping on a sofa, cushioned chair, or soft mattress
·       Baby is younger than 98 days
·       Parent and baby co-sleep all night
·       Parent has been drinking
·       Parent is a smoker
 
Are there other reasons NOT to co-sleep?
 
Yes! Consider these issues in addition to the safety risks mentioned above:

·       Dependent children: Experts say children who co-sleep have a harder time learning to fall asleep on their own and becoming a confident, independent sleeper.
 
·       Earlier bedtime: The idea that sleeping together could result in sleeping more may sound good, but consider that the same bedtime may not work for everyone. You don’t want to be stuck going to bed early just to get your child to sleep or keeping your child up too late because you have other things to do before going to bed.

·       Sleep quality: Children can fuss, fidget, and kick, disrupting your sleep and diminishing your sleep quality.
 
·       Less Privacy: There is less privacy with co-sleeping, so your relationship with your spouse could suffer as a result.

·       Peace of Mind: Co-sleeping does not guarantee peace of mind.

So what is a safe alternative?
 
Many professionals recommend room-sharing as opposed to bed-sharing. With room-sharing, your baby will sleep in her own crib or bassinet, but it will be located in your room. In fact, the AAP recommends parents room-share with babies until they are at least six months old and up to a year. Room-sharing supports breastfeeding and gives parents the ability to get to their babies quickly, addressing some of the reasons parents seek to co-sleep.
 
The AAP also recommends that every baby sleep on his back, in his own crib or bassinet, and on a flat and firm mattress covered by a tightly fitted sheet. The AAP recommends against having items such as a crib bumper, blankets, positioner, pillows, or toys in the crib as these items can also increase the risk of sleep-related deaths.

If you don’t have a crib or bassinet, check with your local County or City Health Department. Some of them have certified pack-n-plays they provide free to qualifying mothers who need a safe space for their children to sleep. If they don’t have some to give away, they may be able to recommend brands or stores to you. If you buy a crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play from a second-hand store or yard sale, be sure to check www.recalls.gov to see if the government has issued any recalls for the product.
 
We all want a good night sleep, especially when a new baby is in the house. But you need to make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe environment. If you need tips for getting your baby to sleep, check our blog from March 15, 2022. If you have concerns about your baby’s sleeping, be sure to check with your pediatrician.
 
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