Safe guidelines for co-sleeping with baby: What you need to know
Updated on
7.3.25
Reviewed by:
Jeannette Ventocilla
Editor & Mom
Reviewed by:
Jean Ochel
Child Psychologist
It probably started with one of those nights. You fed your baby, rocked them, sang every lullaby in your playlist—but the second you laid them in the crib, those little eyes popped open like, “Nice try, Mom.” Exhausted and out of options, you pulled them into bed with you. Their warm little body snuggled in, and you both slept for the first time in forever. And just like that, co-sleeping became part of the routine.
Maybe that’s how it began for you—or maybe co-sleeping was part of your plan from the start. Either way, sharing sleep with your baby can feel like the most natural thing in the world. It makes nighttime feedings easier, keeps your baby close, and, let’s be honest—it helps everyone get a little more rest. But along with those cozy cuddles come the inevitable questions. Is it safe? Am I making the right choice?
We get it. Co-sleeping is a personal choice, and we’re here with honest, judgment-free guidance to help you make the safest decision for your family. Whether you’re considering co-sleeping, already doing it, or exploring safer alternatives, this guide has your back—with science, practical tips, and a whole lot of support.
What to expect
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about co-sleeping with a baby, from understanding the risks to making it as safe as possible if you choose to do it.
It starts innocently enough. Maybe you’re up for the fourth time tonight, nursing or rocking your baby, and you think, “What if I just lay down for a second…?” Before you know it, your little one is tucked in beside you, snoozing peacefully while you debate whether moving them will definitely wake them up (spoiler: it probably will). And just like that, you’ve entered the world of co-sleeping.
Why do parents co-sleep?
Co-sleeping isn’t just about convenience (although, let’s be real—it does make those midnight wake-ups easier). Here are a few reasons families choose to co-sleep:
Breastfeeding is easier when your baby is close by, especially during the newborn phase.
It can create a sense of security and bonding for both parents and babies.
Let’s not forget the obvious: sometimes, it’s just the only way anyone gets any sleep.
But here’s the thing: co-sleeping isn’t just one-size-fits-all. It can look different from family to family, and even experts can’t seem to agree on exactly what it means. So, let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense—and helps you figure out what works best for you and your baby.
What are the different types of co-sleeping (and what do they really mean)?
When people talk about co-sleeping, they often refer to a mix of different sleep setups. Some are safer, some are riskier, and some just depend on your family’s needs. But before you can decide what works for you, it helps to understand the different co-sleeping types and what they mean for your baby’s safety.
Room-sharing
This is when your baby sleeps in the same room as you but on a separate, safe surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or portable crib.
It’s the gold standard pediatricians recommend because it keeps your baby close (making those midnight wake-ups easier) while still giving them their safe space.
Think of it as co-sleeping with boundaries—everyone gets their own bed, but you're still just a sleepy arm’s reach away.
Bed-sharing
Most people picture this when they hear “co-sleeping”: your baby sleeping in the same bed as you for most of the night.
Some parents choose this intentionally because it makes breastfeeding easier or helps their baby feel more secure.
It’s cozy, but it also comes with risks, which we’ll cover later (don’t worry, we’ve got tips to make it safer if you choose this route).
Sofa-sharing
This is when you or your partner accidentally (or intentionally) fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, couch, or armchair.
Here’s the deal: this is the most dangerous form of co-sleeping. Sofas and cushy chairs are super soft, and babies can easily get wedged between cushions or roll into unsafe positions.
No judgment if you’ve nodded off like this before (we’ve all been there), but it’s a habit you’ll want to avoid.
The takeaway?
When people talk about co-sleeping, it’s important to know which type they mean, as the safety guidelines for each are different.
Which sleeping setup works best for you? Let Happy Baby help you track sleep patterns and find a routine that keeps your baby safe and cozy. Because a little extra support can make all the difference when figuring out what works for your family!
Is it safe to co-sleep with a baby?
Co-sleeping can feel like the most natural thing in the world—snuggling up with your baby, hearing their soft breaths, and finally getting some much-needed rest. But as cozy as it sounds, co-sleeping isn’t without its risks. That’s why it’s one of the most talked-about (and debated) topics in parenting.
Here’s the bottom line: room-sharing—where your baby sleeps in the same room as you but on a separate, safe surface like a crib or bassinet—is strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This setup not only keeps your baby close but also significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) [5].
On the flip side, bed-sharing—sleeping on the same surface as your baby—comes with serious risks, even though many families still choose this option for cultural, personal, or practical reasons. The key is understanding those risks to make the most informed decision for your family.
What are the risks of co-sleeping?
Higher risk of SIDS: Sharing a bed increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), especially during the first 6 months of life when babies are most vulnerable.
Accidental suffocation: Babies can easily suffocate from pillows, blankets, soft mattresses, or even a parent’s body during deep sleep. This is one of the leading causes of sleep-related infant deaths.
Entrapment hazards: Babies can get trapped between the mattress and the wall, bed frame, or headboard, leading to accidental suffocation.
Sofa and armchair sleeping dangers: Falling asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair is especially risky because babies can slip into dangerous positions where they can’t breathe. This type of co-sleeping poses the highest risk of fatal sleep accidents.
Increased risk from certain parental factors: Smoking, alcohol, or medication use that causes drowsiness significantly increases the risk of co-sleeping accidents. Even extreme exhaustion (which, let’s face it, is pretty common for new parents) can make bed-sharing more dangerous.
Overheating concerns: Sharing a bed can cause babies to overheat, particularly if they’re overdressed or covered with heavy blankets. Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS.
While room-sharing is the safest option, we understand that every family differs. Knowing the risks involved in bed-sharing is the first step in making it as safe as possible. In the next section, we’ll share practical tips to help reduce those risks and keep your baby safe while sleeping.
The benefits of co-sleeping: Is it all bad?
Before we get all doom and gloom, let’s be real – co-sleeping does have its benefits when done safely. So, let’s look at the perks:
Breastfeeding made easy: For many parents, breastfeeding at night is way easier when they co-sleep. You don’t have to get up, leave your cozy bed, or mess around with bottles. You’re right there, and so is your baby. It can make those nighttime feedings way less stressful.
Stress reduction: Both you and your baby get more relaxed with co-sleeping. When babies are close to their parents, they feel more secure. And guess what? It helps you feel more at ease, too. That means better sleep for both of you.
Supports baby’s sleep cycle and development: Being near mom and dad helps your baby’s body regulate its own sleep-wake cycles. Your baby gets the support it needs to develop strong, healthy sleep habits.
When is co-sleeping more dangerous?
Co-sleeping might feel like the easiest way to get some rest when your baby refuses to sleep anywhere but right next to you. However, there are certain situations where sharing a sleep space becomes much riskier. Knowing when to avoid co-sleeping can help keep your baby safe while still giving you those precious nighttime snuggles.
Here’s when co-sleeping is not safe:
If you or your partner smoke: Smoking during pregnancy or after birth increases the risk of SIDS. Even if you don’t smoke in the house, bed-sharing isn’t safe for babies exposed to smoke.
If you’ve had alcohol or taken sedatives: Alcohol, medications, or any drugs that make you drowsy raise the risk of accidental suffocation. If you’ve had anything that affects your alertness, don’t co-sleep.
If you’re extremely tired: We get it—all parents are tired. But if you’re so exhausted that it's hard to wake up, it's safer to avoid bed-sharing.
If other kids or pets are in the bed: Siblings and pets can accidentally roll onto or smother your baby. Only parents should ever share a sleep surface with a baby.
If your baby is formula-fed: Breastfeeding parents are often more responsive to their baby’s movements at night. If your baby is formula-fed, room-sharing is the safer option.
If you’re on a sofa or armchair: Sofas, couches, and armchairs are the most dangerous places to co-sleep.
If your baby is under 12 weeks old: The risk of SIDS is highest in the first 12 weeks. Very young babies should never bed-share—stick to room-sharing during this time.
If your baby could overheat or has a covered head: Overheating and head covering increase SIDS risk. Dress your baby lightly and skip heavy blankets or hats.
If you leave your baby alone on an adult bed: Babies can roll off or get trapped in bedding. Never leave a baby unattended on an adult bed.
If your baby is swaddled: Swaddling restricts movement, which can be risky during co-sleeping. If you’re bed-sharing, it’s safest to skip the swaddle.
By avoiding co-sleeping in these situations, you can help protect your baby while still enjoying those close, comforting moments. And remember, room-sharing gives you the best of both worlds—keeping your baby safe and close by.
Worried about co-sleeping risks? Let Happy Baby take the guesswork out of safe sleep. Our app offers expert-backed tips and tools to help you create the safest sleep environment for your little one—so you can rest easy, too. Download the app today!
What should you consider if you choose to co-sleep with your baby?
Deciding to co-sleep isn’t always a carefully thought-out plan—it’s often the result of exhausted parents and babies who just won’t settle unless they’re snuggled up close. But whether it’s intentional or just what’s working right now, it’s important to think through how to make co-sleeping safe for both you and your baby.
Here are key things to consider if you’re thinking about co-sleeping:
Why do you want to co-sleep? Is it for convenience, better sleep, bonding, or simply because nothing else seems to work? Knowing your reasons can help you create a safe sleep space.
Where will you co-sleep? Co-sleeping on a sofa or armchair is never safe, even for a quick nap. Always plan to co-sleep in a bed, and make sure the surface is firm and flat.
How consistent is your baby’s sleep environment? Babies thrive on routine. It might confuse their sleep patterns if you co-sleep at night but have them nap in a crib during the day. Try to keep their sleep space consistent.
Is your bed safe for a baby? Adult beds aren’t designed with babies in mind. Check for gaps where your baby could get trapped, and keep pillows and blankets far from their sleep space.
Are you prepared for changing risks? Your situation can change from night to night. If you’re overly tired, unwell, or have had alcohol or medication, co-sleeping becomes more dangerous. In those cases, your baby is safest in a separate sleep space like a crib or bassinet.
Are other family members in the bed? Babies should never share a sleep space with siblings or pets—this increases the risk of accidental suffocation or injury.
Tips for safer co-sleeping
If you’ve decided that co-sleeping is the right choice for your family, there are simple, practical ways to make it safer. While no sleeping arrangement is entirely without risk, these tips can help reduce potential dangers and give you peace of mind when you turn out the lights.
Keep it flat and firm
Use a flat, firm mattress in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [2] standards.
Avoid using waterbeds, memory foam mattresses, inclined sleepers, baby pods, nests, hammocks, those oh-so-trendy cardboard baby boxes, or anything that feels soft and cushy.
A flat, firm surface reduces the risk of suffocation and allows your baby to breathe freely while they sleep.
Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered
Make sure there are no pillows, blankets, or loose bedding near your baby’s face.
Instead of blankets, dress your baby in a sleep sack to keep them cozy and warm without the risk of suffocation.
Always check your baby’s chest to ensure they’re warm but not overheated.
Position your baby safely in the bed
Place your baby next to one parent (not between two adults) and away from the edge of the bed.
Never let your baby sleep next to siblings or pets, as they can unintentionally harm your baby.
Consider placing the mattress on the floor to prevent your baby from rolling off and to eliminate the risk of falls.
Never let your baby sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair—even for a quick nap. These soft, cushioned surfaces can increase the risk of suffocation by 67 times [1]
Don’t swaddle while co-sleeping
Swaddling can restrict your baby’s movement, which is especially risky when you’re bed-sharing.
Instead, allow your baby to sleep with their arms and legs free to move around.
This reduces the risk of overheating and allows for better airflow.
Place your baby on their back to sleep
Always lay your baby down on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
The back-sleeping position helps keep your baby’s airways open and reduces the chance of suffocation.
Avoid letting your baby sleep on their tummy or side, even while co-sleeping.
Clear the sleep space of hazards
Keep any potential hazards—like teething necklaces, cords, or jewelry—away from your baby’s sleeping area.
Tie back long hair to prevent it from falling near your baby’s face.
Ensure there’s nothing in the bed that could be a strangulation or suffocation risk.
Offer a pacifier
Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of SIDS by keeping your baby’s airway open, promoting proper tongue positioning, and preventing them from rolling onto their stomach—a position linked to higher SIDS risk. [6]
For breastfed babies, wait until breastfeeding is well-established before introducing a pacifier.
You can introduce a pacifier for formula-fed babies at any time, but ensure it doesn’t interfere with feeding.
Prevent overheating
Dress your baby in light layers and keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS and other concerns like heat rash, so make sure your baby’s chest feels warm but not sweaty. [7]
A sleep sack is a great alternative to blankets, as it helps regulate body temperature.
Tummy time is for daytime play
Tummy time is crucial for building your baby’s strength during the day, but it should never be done during sleep.
Start tummy time soon after returning home from the hospital and gradually increase it to about 15-30 minutes total by 7 weeks [1].
Tummy time helps with muscle development and reduces the risk of flat head syndrome.
Monitoring devices aren’t a replacement for safe sleep
While wearable monitors can offer peace of mind, they should never replace following safe sleep guidelines.
No gadget can prevent SIDS, so always ensure your baby sleeps on a firm, flat surface with no soft items around them.
Use monitors for comfort, but focus on setting up a safe sleep space first and foremost.
What are safer alternatives to co-sleeping?
If you love the idea of keeping your baby close at night but want to skip the risks of bed-sharing, don’t worry—you’ve got options! There are plenty of safe sleep setups that give you the best of both worlds: closeness and peace of mind.
Room-sharing: Place your baby in a crib, bassinet, or Moses basket right next to your bed. This keeps them within arm’s reach for easy feeds and check-ins without sharing the same sleep surface. This lowers the risk of SIDS by up to 50% [3], especially since 90% of sudden infant deaths happen in the first six months [1].
Bedside sleepers: These special attachable bassinets connect to your bed, giving your baby their space while still feeling like you’re co-sleeping.
Portable cribs or play yards: Perfect for small spaces or travel, these provide a safe, flat surface for your baby to sleep right by your side.
Sidecar arrangement: Convert a crib to a sidecar-style sleeper by removing one side and securely attaching it to your bed. This gives your baby their own space while keeping them close.
These alternatives let you stay connected with your baby throughout the night without the risks associated with bed-sharing. Safe sleep doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice those precious nighttime snuggles!
Looking for ways to stay close without bed-sharing? Happy Baby can guide you with personalized sleep recommendations and tracking tools that fit your family’s needs because safe sleep and sweet snuggles can go hand in hand! Download the app today!
How do you transition away from co-sleeping?
Moving your baby to their own sleep space is a big step, and there’s no perfect time—it’s all about what feels right for your family. When you’re ready, start small: try having your baby nap in their crib during the day or spend part of the night in their own space.
A calm, consistent bedtime routine can make the transition smoother, helping your baby feel safe and secure. And if you’re unsure, don’t stress—your pediatrician can offer tips tailored to your little one’s needs. This is a gentle process, and with a little patience, you’ll both adjust beautifully. You’ve got this!
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Short & Sweet
Co-sleeping is a personal choice, and what works for one family might not work for another. Whether you decide to co-sleep, room-share, or explore other safe sleep options, the most important thing is creating an environment where your baby can sleep safely and soundly—and where you can rest easily, too. By understanding the risks and following safe sleep guidelines, you can make the best decision for your family’s unique needs. If you’re unsure, talk to your pediatrician and trust your instincts.
Need a little help finding the right sleep routine? Let Happy Baby guide you with personalized sleep tips, tracking tools, and AI-powered predictions that make safe sleep simple. Because when your baby sleeps better, you do too.
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