The safest place

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket, free from toys, blankets and pillows. This helps lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or they fall asleep together unintentionally. 

Wherever you’re planning for your baby to sleep, we recommend making your bed as safe as possible for your baby. This page offers advice and guidance on how to create a safer environment for sleep, when to avoid co-sleeping completely, and how to reduce the risk of SIDS.

A very young baby is lying on their back, looking to the side directly to the camera. They are awake and have their hand to their face.

Co-sleeping definitions

  • Room sharing: when a baby sleeps in the same room as their parent(s) or carer, but in their own separate sleeping space such as a cot or Moses basket.
  • Bed sharing: when a baby shares the bed with an adult for most of the night including for sleep – not just to be comforted or fed.
  • Sofa sharing: when a parent or carer sleeps on a sofa or armchair with a baby (remember, this is dangerous so avoid falling asleep like this).
  • Co-sleeping: when parents or carers sleep with a baby on a bed, sofa or chair.
A baby is sleeping on their back in their cot with a dummy in their mouth. They have a medium skin tone and their mum has her hand on their chest.

When not to co-sleep 

Whether you choose to co-sleep or you fall asleep together unplanned, there are some key times to avoid co-sleeping.

Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if: 

In these scenarios, it’s always best to put baby in their own sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.

Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can’t breathe.

Co-sleeping more safely

Adult beds have not been designed or safety tested for infant sleep in the same way as, for example, a cot or Moses basket. Whether you choose to bedshare, or it’s unplanned, it is best to think ahead and make your bed safer for co-sleeping.

  • Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby, along with any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. Many babies who die from SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.
  • Remove slatted or decorated headboards.
  • Follow our safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleeping baby on their back.
  • Don’t bring other children or pets into bed with you. This will help reduce the risk of accidents. 
  • Check that baby cannot be trapped in the bedframe or headboard, or fall out of bed or get trapped or wedged between the mattress and the wall. 
  • Never leave your baby alone in an adult bed. It’s important to consider any risks that an adult bed may pose to your baby, especially while you are asleep. As your baby develops, becomes more mobile and can move around, the risks can change, so we recommend checking your bed regularly to prevent possible accidents.

If you are bedsharing with your baby, consider any risks before every sleep. If you are unwell or have drunk any alcohol,  your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket.

A baby is sleeping on their back in their cot with a dummy in their mouth. They have a medium skin tone and their mum has her hand on their chest.

Sharing a room

Babies should always be in the same room as you for every sleep, day and night, for at least the first six months. You can still leave the room to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet, but for most of the time when they’re sleeping, they are safest if you’re close by.

There are no devices on the market that can replace having a parent or carer in the same room as baby for safer sleep. 

Frequently asked questions

A dad and baby are playing together with colourful blocks. Dad is smiling and the baby's tongue is slightly stuck out in concentration. The baby. Both have dark hair and a brown skin tone, and the baby wears a blue top.

Remember

Many parents co-sleep with their babies, even if they don’t plan to, so it’s always a good idea to make your bed as safe as possible. Keep adult bedding such as pillows and duvets away from your baby so they have their own clear space, and make sure there’s nowhere they can get trapped. If you feel like you might drift off on a sofa or armchair, place your baby down somewhere safe first.

These guidelines should give you confidence to know you’ve made your sleep space as safe as possible for you little one, so you can both have a safer and comfortable nights sleep.

Every baby safe. Every family supported.

If you found this information helpful, consider donating today to help us reach and help the next parent or carer, just like you. Your kindness will:

  • Empower families with trusted advice on keeping their baby safe
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  • Fund research seeking answers into sudden and unexpected deaths of babies and young children
  • Take us one step closer to a world where no baby dies suddenly or unexpectedly