Bed-Sharing Basics: The Safe Sleep 7
Bed-sharing (also sometimes referred to as co-sleeping) is a wonderful way to attend to your baby’s nighttime needs while minimizing disruptions to your sleep. It also helps to facilitate bonding and breastfeeding.
Most breastfeeding parents will at some point sleep with their babies. It’s important to do so safely, so just follow the La Leche League International Safe Sleep 7:
There is nobody in the house who is a smoker.
Secondhand smoke affects infants’ breathing.
Breastfeeding parent must be sober.
If a partner is present, they must be sober as well.
This also applies to over-the-counter and prescription medications that may cause drowsiness.
Baby is breastfed.
Breastfed babies are at a lower risk of SIDS, and breastfeeding moms are hormonally in sync with their babies.
Baby is healthy and full term.
Premature infants and those who are sick may not be able to rouse themselves.
Baby is on their back.
This is the safest position for babies, whether co-sleeping or not.
Baby is lightly dressed and un-swaddled.
This avoids overheating and ensures that your baby is free to adjust their body.
Parent and baby are on a safe sleep surface with:
No pillows or comforters near baby.
No stuffed animals.
No other adults, older siblings, or pets. Newborns should only be in bed with a breastfeeding parent and/or partner.
Follow these guidelines and enjoy a safe night’s sleep with your baby!