Safer Cosleeping Checklist

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Let's talk safer co-sleeping! Infants are biologically wired to sleep in close proximity to their caregivers, but many families do not have information on how to bed share safely. Cosleeping increases rates and duration of breastfeeding and can improve sleep quality for the whole family. All families should have information on the risks and benefits of all sleeping arrangements without judgement or agenda. If choosing to cosleep, use the following checklist to reduce risk:

☑️ Firm mattress
☑️ No space between other furniture and wall
☑️ No extra blankets/pillows
☑️ No cords around the bed
☑️ Healthy full-term baby
☑️ Breastfeeding
☑️ On back
☑️ Unswaddled in light clothes
☑️ Positioned near nursing parent’s breast
☑️ Parents lightly dressed with hair tied back
☑️ No alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or sleep meds
☑️ Facing your baby (at least when newborn)

If any items are left unchecked, bed sharing is less safe. As nothing is every 100% safe, every family will need to weigh the benefits of cosleeping with possible risks based on their specific circumstances. If bed sharing is not an option, a side car bassinet may offer close proximity without the same risks. For more information, @heysleepybaby and @happycosleeper are wonderful resources! I also love James McKenna's book "Safe Infant Sleep" for more in depth research.