Co-sleeping: what it is, how to do it safely and what to look for in a bedside crib

Co-sleeping is one of the decisions that raises the most questions in the first months: is it better for the baby to sleep in our bed, in a bedside crib or in their own cot? In this guide we explain what co-sleeping is, the different types, what safety recommendations say and what to look for if you choose a bedside crib.

What is co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping means sleeping close to your baby so they are within reach at night. It can be done in several ways, and not all of them are equally safe:

• Room-sharing: the baby sleeps in their own cot or crib in the parents' room.
• Bedside crib (sidecar): a crib that attaches to one side of the parents' bed. The baby has their own space but is level with the bed.
• Bed-sharing: the baby sleeps in the same bed as the parents.

Benefits of co-sleeping

• Easier night feeds, especially when breastfeeding.
• Less getting up at night to see to the baby.
• Closeness: parents can hear and see the baby, which reassures many families.

What safety recommendations say

Paediatric recommendations agree that, in the first months, the safest place for a baby to sleep is their own cot or crib, on their back and in the parents' room. That is why the bedside crib is such a popular choice: it keeps the baby next to you, but in their own space.

Bed-sharing increases the risk, especially in the first months. Avoid sleeping in the same bed as your baby if:

• Either adult smokes, even if not in the bedroom.
• You have had alcohol, drugs or medication that makes you drowsy.
• You are extremely tired.
• Your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
• The mattress is soft or there are pillows, duvets or cushions near the baby.

And never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair: it is one of the riskiest situations.

If you are unsure which option is best for your family, talk to your paediatrician.

Bedside crib: what to look for

• Securely attached to the bed, with no gaps between the crib mattress and yours.
• At the same height as your mattress, or slightly lower, as the manufacturer indicates.
• A firm, flat mattress that fits the crib exactly, so there are no gaps at the edges.
• Fitted bedding: a fitted sheet that hugs the mattress. Our changing mat, mini crib and bedside crib sheet has an elasticated edge and comes in 80 x 50 cm.
• Check the maximum weight and age given by the manufacturer: when your baby starts to sit up or goes over that weight, it is time to move to a full-size cot.

How to set up the sleep space

• Always put your baby to sleep on their back.
• Nothing loose in the crib: no pillows, cushions, soft toys or blankets.
• Instead of blankets, use a sleeping bag suited to the room temperature. We explain how to choose one in baby sleeping bag: which TOG to use.
• Avoid overdressing them and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

How long should you co-sleep?

There is no single age: it depends on each family and, if you use a bedside crib, on the weight and age limits set by the manufacturer. Many families move their baby to a cot when they start moving a lot, sitting up or sleeping for longer stretches. Making the change gradually, with a consistent bedtime routine, usually helps.

Frequently asked questions

Is co-sleeping safe?

It depends on how it is done. Sleeping in the same room, with the baby in their own cot or a properly fitted bedside crib, is the option paediatricians recommend in the first months. Bed-sharing carries more risk, especially in the situations we have described.

What is a bedside crib?

It is a crib that attaches to the side of the parents' bed, at the same height, so the baby is next to you but in their own space.

What sheet does a bedside crib need?

A fitted sheet in the exact size of the mattress, so it stays taut and smooth. Check the mattress measurements before you buy it.

In short

Co-sleeping can make nights easier, but how you do it matters. In the first months, the safest option is for your baby to sleep on their back in their own space, close to you: in their cot or in a securely attached bedside crib, with a firm mattress, a fitted sheet and a sleeping bag instead of blankets.