How to co-sleep more safely

Recent questions

• What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically during sleep, and it usually occurs in babies under one year of age. The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but it is believed to be associated with various factors, including sleep position, sleep environment, and underlying health issues. Parents and caregivers are often advised to follow safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as placing the baby on their back to sleep and ensuring a safe sleep environment free from soft bedding and other hazards.

• How can I prevent SIDS?

  To prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), it is crucial to follow several key guidelines. First, always place your baby on their back to sleep, as this position significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. Additionally, ensure that the sleep area is free from soft bedding, including pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, which can pose suffocation hazards. It is also important to maintain a clear and flat sleep surface, such as a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib. Avoiding co-sleeping, especially on sofas or with premature or low-birth-weight infants, is essential, as these practices can increase the risk of SIDS dramatically.

• What are safe sleep practices for infants?

  Safe sleep practices for infants are essential to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensure a secure sleeping environment. Key practices include placing the baby on their back for every sleep, whether during the night or naps, as this position is the safest. The sleep area should consist of a firm mattress covered with a fitted sheet, without any soft bedding, pillows, or toys that could obstruct the baby's breathing. It is also recommended to keep the baby's sleep space in the same room as the parents for the first six months, while avoiding co-sleeping, particularly on soft surfaces, to further minimize risks.

• What should I avoid during infant sleep?

  During infant sleep, there are several critical factors to avoid to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Firstly, never place the baby on their stomach or side to sleep, as these positions are associated with a higher risk of SIDS. Additionally, avoid using soft bedding, such as pillows, blankets, or bumper pads, in the crib, as these can lead to suffocation. Co-sleeping, especially on sofas or with infants who are premature or of low birth weight, should also be avoided, as these situations significantly increase the risk of SIDS. Maintaining a safe sleep environment is vital for the well-being of the infant.

• What is the impact of co-sleeping on infants?

  Co-sleeping can have a significant impact on infants, particularly concerning the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While some parents choose to co-sleep for convenience or bonding, it is important to understand that this practice can increase the risk of SIDS by up to 50 times, especially if done on soft surfaces like sofas or beds with heavy bedding. For premature infants or those weighing less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), the risks are even greater. Experts recommend that infants sleep in their own safe sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, placed in the same room as the parents to ensure safety while still promoting closeness.