Safe bed-sharing involves practices to ensure that both you and your baby are safe while sharing a sleep space. To bed-share safely, consider the following guidelines:
➜ Firm Mattress – use a firm mattress with no soft bedding or pillows that could pose a suffocation risk.
➜ No Gaps – ensure there are no gaps between the mattress and headboard or walls where the baby could get stuck.
➜ Sleep Position – place your baby on their back to sleep, which is the safest position to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
➜ Avoid Overheating – keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid overdressing your baby to prevent overheating.
➜ Clear Surroundings – keep the sleep area free from loose blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals that could pose a suffocation hazard.
➜ Awareness – be mindful of your baby’s presence in bed, and avoid bed-sharing if you or your partner are extremely tired or under the influence of substances that might impair your awareness.