As a breastfeeding mom, understanding your baby’s needs, especially when it comes to nighttime feedings, can make your parenting journey easier and more restful. Sleeping close to your baby, or bedsharing, is a natural way to provide comfort, simplify nighttime feedings, and help you get more sleep.¹ However, it’s essential to do so safely. Research shows that with the proper precautions, bedsharing can be a safe and positive experience for both you and your baby.² Even if you don’t plan on bedsharing every night, creating a safe sleep environment ensures that, when you do need to rest, you have a safe space for both of you.

This guide will walk you through the essential “Safe Sleep 7” principles, helping you create a nurturing sleep environment where you can bond with your baby while also getting the rest you need.^3,4,5,6

1. No Smoking: Smoking is the leading risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If you smoke during pregnancy or after birth, your baby’s risk for SIDS is higher. Even smoking outside can increase the risk. Make your home a smoke-free zone to help keep your baby safe and healthy.
2. Breastfeed Day and Night: When a mother breastfeeds in a side-lying position, her body naturally creates a protective space for her baby, known as a “cuddle curl.” This makes it unlikely that she will roll forward onto the baby. Bottle-feeding doesn’t offer this same built-in protection, and formula use has been linked to a higher risk of SIDS.
3. Baby on Back: While breastfeeding, mother and baby typically lie on their sides facing one another. After nursing, the baby usually rolls onto their back, which is the safest position to prevent SIDS.
4. No Alcohol or Drowsy Medication: When bedsharing, it is vital to avoid using alcohol, sleep aids, or anything that may make you too tired or less aware of your baby while you sleep.
5. Avoid Overheating: Dress your baby in the same way you would dress yourself for sleep – not too hot or too cold. Overheating is a major risk for SIDS. Swaddling is also not safe when bedsharing, as babies need their arms and legs free to move and adjust their position during the night.
6. Healthy Full-term Baby: Preterm babies, babies who are seriously ill, or those with chronic health concerns have a higher risk of SIDS. Extra care and attention may mean that bedsharing is not the safest sleeping arrangement for them.
7. Create a Safe Sleep Surface: Ensure your mattress is firm and that your baby can’t roll into any soft spots. If your bed has a gap (like between the mattress and the wall), place yourself between the gap and your baby. Keep pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals away from your baby’s sleeping area to prevent suffocation. Avoid using extra pillows, sleep positioners, or anything soft that could pose a danger.

More Safety Tips:^3,4,5,6

• Avoid Couches and Recliners: Couches and recliners are especially dangerous due to their many crevices and soft surfaces that babies can easily get trapped in while they sleep.
• Consider a Bedside Bassinet: A bassinet lets you keep your baby close without fully sharing your bed, allowing you to respond quickly when your baby needs you.
• Safety Comes First: If your baby is sleeping alone, a crib or bassinet is a safer choice than an adult bed.

Benefits of Bedsharing^3,4,5,6

• More Breastfeeding: Babies who bedshare breastfeed more frequently and for longer than babies who sleep separately.
• Normal Sleep Patterns: Babies who share a bed with their mother sleep in shorter stretches, which is healthier for their development and protective against SIDS.
• Better Bonding: Bedsharing creates more opportunities for closeness, comfort, and connection between you and your baby.
• More Sleep for You: Bedsharing mothers get more rest because they don’t need to fully wake up to nurse.
• Easier Nighttime Nursing: You’ll likely find that nursing in bed becomes second nature, saving you time and effort.

What If Bedsharing Isn’t Right for You?

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Lactation Q & A
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References