Co-sleeping, or sleeping with your baby, raises many questions and concerns among parents.
There are two main types of co-sleeping: room sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as his or her parents but in his or her own bed, and bed sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same bed as his or her parents. While co-sleeping can strengthen family bonding and make breastfeeding easier, understanding these practices is crucial to ensuring your child’s safety and well-being.
Room sharing: safety first
Room sharing is widely recommended by pediatricians, including Public Health France. Sleeping in the same room as your baby, but in separate beds, provides reassuring proximity while reducing the risks of sudden infant death syndrome, especially during the first six months or even the first year.
Indeed, having your baby within sight and hearing allows you to respond quickly to his needs. With this method, you provide him with both proximity and security.
Bed sharing: between proximity and risks
Bed sharing, while popular for its ease of nighttime breastfeeding and comfort, is discouraged by many experts. The main concern is the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome and accidents, such as suffocation or accidental crushing.
These risks are particularly high if parents smoke, consume alcohol or sedative medications, or if they are very tired.
However, some experts believe that bed sharing can be safe if strict precautions are followed. For example, the bed should be free of pillows, thick blankets, or any other soft objects that could obstruct the baby’s breathing.
Talk about it to decide better
Beyond technical recommendations, the choice between room sharing and bed sharing should be discussed between parents, with the possible help of professionals. Each family is unique, and it is essential to discuss each person’s options, concerns, and preferences.
Consulting a pediatrician can also help assess specific risks and adopt best safety practices for your baby’s sleep.
Learn more: “Co-sleeping: Why? How?” by Claude-Suzanne Didierjean-Jouveau.
