Research shows that the safest place for babies to sleep is on their back in their own cot, in the same room as their parents. Sleep-deprived parents will tell you, however, that what is ‘advised’ and what is practical for family wellness are not always the same thing.
As babies get older, they tend to start sleeping for longer stretches, but very young babies can go as little as two hours between feeds at night, leading to exhausted parents. Sleep deprivation can cause feelings of frustration, irritability and low tolerance, so it is no wonder that many parents seek whatever solution they can, for their wellbeing. Strategies include feeding, using a dummy, rocking and patting, as well as bringing the baby into bed.
The question of whether or not it is safe to bring your baby into bed with you is one that elicits a wide range of opinions.
Sharing a bed with your baby is thought to be a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) under certain circumstances. Very young babies (such as those under three months) and babies who were born prematurely or who had a low birth weight are thought to be at the highest risk for SIDS, although it can occur at any age.
Bed-sharing, when done safely, however, carries very little increased risk. In order to reduce the risk, make sure that your baby is always put to sleep on its back, with no loose covers. Don’t put the duvet over the baby: have it in its own bedding (such as a sleeping bag) as overheating is a major risk factor, and make sure that your duvet cannot go over the baby. Have a bed guard or similar to stop your baby from falling out of bed and make sure that the baby cannot get trapped between the bed and the guard. In addition to this, never bed share if you have been drinking or are a smoker, or if you have taken any type of illegal drug, or prescription drug that can cause drowsiness.
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