The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. While room-sharing is safe, putting your infant to sleep in bed with you is not. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
Sleep While the Baby Sleeps
New parents are often severely sleep deprived if the only sleep they're getting is overnight. “Sleeping while the baby sleeps can sometimes be challenging because of other kids in the house or our internal body clocks, but it's a good idea to try and get some rest,” says Pien.
Because of the risks involved, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warn against bed-sharing. The AAP does recommend the practice of room-sharing without bed-sharing. Sleeping in the parents' room but on a separate surface lowers a baby's risk of SIDS.
The AAP recommends infants share a parents' room, but not a bed, "ideally for a year, but at least for six months" to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
For the first 6-12 months of life, it's safest for babies to sleep in a cot next to a parent's bed. Co-sleeping is when parents sleep on the same surface as their babies. Co-sleeping can be dangerous for babies. If you choose to co-sleep, there are things you can do to minimise the risk.
Of course there are always exceptions to any rule – some babies crave their own space. But for the most part, babies sleep best when they're next to their mothers.
Most parents have a natural inclination to sleep protectively near their babies, and data suggest that cosleeping is on the increase. In 2015, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that more than half (61 percent) of American babies bedshare at least some of the time.
Place your baby's sleep space (e.g., their bassinet, play yard, or crib) in the same room where you sleep at night. The AAP recommends placing your infant's sleep space within arm's reach of your own bed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation. Be sure to babyproof the space.
Baby should sleep in their own cot, in your room, for the first twelve months. No soft or puffy bedding and don't use pillows. Make sure baby's face and head are uncovered.
But many first-time parents find that after the first month of parenthood, it can actually get more difficult. This surprising truth is one reason many experts refer to a baby's first three months of life as the “fourth trimester.” If months two, three, and beyond are tougher than you expected, you're not alone.
Sleepless nights are common in new parenthood, but they do not last forever. Most babies will begin to sleep for longer periods at night from the age of 6 months old. Newborn babies need to feed every few hours until the age of 3 months.
Overall, babies simply find it easier to fall and stay asleep next to mom than they do dad. Mothers are also the source of breastfeeding which makes it much more natural to continue the night when milk is available.
Split up nighttime duties.
For example: Take turns feeding your baby. Take turns being the one to handle all nighttime duties, from feeding to changing to soothing your baby. Sleep in separate rooms, leaving one room free for the partner who isn't on baby duty that night.
Usually, this involves getting your partner involved. For instance, they can take some of those night feedings, or bring the baby to you if you are breastfeeding. You also can consider having extended family or a postpartum doula/baby nurse come over regularly so you can catch up on sleep.
It's usually fine to leave a young baby alone in her crib while you take a quick shower, for example, but this doesn't apply to swings and bouncy seats, which aren't as safe. (If you're really nervous, you can always tote baby in her car seat into the bathroom with you.)
A bassinet is suitable from newborn to around 4-6 months of age, when they start to roll or sit. At this stage you should transfer them to a cot. Therefore, when you consider the first 4 years of your child's life, you will need to buy a cot.
A safe cot in your room is the safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6-12 months. This reduces SUDI risk and makes it easier to settle baby. Co-sleeping is when parents bring their babies into bed with them. This is dangerous for babies.
Absolutely! Not only can you have a shared bedroom with a baby, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies share parents' bedroom for a year, or at minimum six months, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Dr. Hauck: We don't know for sure why room-sharing without bed-sharing is protective, but we have some theories. One is that the babies are sleeping more lightly because there is more movement around them (so they cannot get into as deep a sleep, which can contribute to the final pathway in SIDS).
Goodstein said, when babies sleep in the same room as their parents, the background sounds or stirrings prevent very deep sleep and that helps keeps the babies safe. Room sharing also makes breast-feeding easier, which is protective against SIDS.
The AAP recommends room sharing because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and it's much safer than bed sharing. Room sharing will also make it easier for you to feed, comfort and watch your baby.
SIDS is most common at 2-4 months of age when the cardiorespiratory system of all infants is in rapid transition and therefore unstable. So, all infants in this age range are at risk for dysfunction of neurological control of breathing.
Experts recommend that new moms get at least seven hours. While this study provides valuable insight into the importance of sleep, be patient with you and your baby in the postpartum period. Consider asking for help, sleeping when your baby sleeps, and forgoing bed sharing to optimize your sleep schedule.