Risks and Concerns Around Bedsharing
Your bed can be a great place to breastfeed, snuggle and bond with your baby while you're awake.
But when you get sleepy, it's time for your baby to move to his or her own crib.
Sleeping in the same bed as your baby - bedsharing - is not recommended for infants under 12 months. The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, in an approved crib beside your bed. Sharing a room with your baby for the first six months has been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Babies who share a bed or other sleep surface with adults, children or pets are at risk for SIDS and accidental death. Risks are greater when babies share a bed with adults who:
- smoke
- have recently consumed alcohol, drugs, or medications that may make them drowsy or
- don't know the baby is in the bed
Babies also face extra risks when they sleep with pillows, blankets, duvets or toys.
Adult mattresses aren't firm enough for babies, and may allow babies to roll face down. Babies who share a bed are also at greater risk for falling out of bed or getting trapped between the mattress and wall or bed frame.
Resources & Links:
HealthLink BC: Quick Tips: Getting Baby to Sleep
HealthLink BC: Safe Sleeping for Babies
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