When you have a new baby, the feeling of love you have for them is indescribable.

All you want to do is be close to your little one, stare at them all day long, give them as many cuddles as possible, and increase the bond you share in any way you can.

However, although it may feel natural to be close to your child in the comfort of your own bed, when it comes to bedtime, there are certain risks you need to be aware of if you decide to let your infant sleep with you there. These risks have been considered so great that it has been formally advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics to avoid bed-sharing with your infant.

However, people still tend to have different opinions, values, and ideas on what should and shouldn’t be allowed when it comes to this area. While some parents say that the rewards outweigh the risks, the general consensus is that it’s not advised.

So, if you’re feeling conflicted concerning this area, let’s learn more about it.

To start off, let’s explore why you should avoid sleeping in the same bed as your infant.

Why should you not sleep in the same bed as your infant?

Risk of SIDS/SUID. The main reason that sleeping in the same bed as your infant is not advised is because of the risk of your child being accidentally smothered by you or the covers. This increases the risk of what’s called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other types of sudden, unexpected infant death (SUID).

Less overall sleep for both child and parent. During the first year of a child’s life, there isn’t going to be as much meaningful sleep as both parent and child need! As much as this is expected, when a child has their own bed to sleep in, it greatly increases their quality of sleep overall. This is because they are less likely to be disturbed by their parents or disturb their parents. It also encourages them to sleep on their own, which will come in handy when they are older.

Now that we’ve looked at the official advice when it comes to co-sleeping, let’s understand more about the other perspective.

Why are some parents in favour of co-sleeping?

They take the type of sleeping environment into account. The reason that families in favour of co-sleeping aren’t afraid of SIDS, is because they say that ensuring the sleeping environment is safe eradicates risk. For example, they’ll remove soft cushions and sleep on a firm mattress.

There are other known benefits to co-sleeping. For example, more effective and consistent breastfeeding, more stable infant heart rates, and mutual soothing

If you do decide you are in favour of co-sleeping, then it’s important you are aware of how to keep risks at bay.

What are some situations to avoid if you do decide to co-sleep?

Never co-sleep in a recliner, on a sofa, or on any other soft surface.

Never co-sleep if someone in the bed has been drinking, using prescription medication that has a sedative effect, or recreational drugs.

Never co-sleep if someone in the house has been smoking.

Follow the standard advice for all babies. This includes making sure they are sleeping on their back, not surrounded by soft bedding or stuffed animals (that can cover their faces), removing side rails, and wearing light clothes (so they don’t overheat).

Avoid co-sleeping if you aren’t breastfeeding. This is mainly because your biological rhythms aren’t “synched up” with your child during that time.

Should I sleep with my infant in the same bed?

On Unii’s Baby Sleep Journey, we ask whether you should sleep in the same bed as your baby.