If you ever want to liven up a room with hot controversial discussion, just bring up the subject of bed-sharing with parents. Co-sleeping is one term for it, but it can also mean just sleeping in the same room. Here we use bed-sharing to talk about baby and mum (maybe even dad) sharing the same bed.

Despite the fact that billions of children sleep with their parents every night, in the Western world it is not so accepted. It can be seen as dangerous and careless for your baby. This may be so in some instances, but not all. Here we look at how to make sure both you and your baby are sleeping soundly and safely.

Firstly babies should sleep on their backs, on firm, clean surfaces under light blankets. Nobody should ever smoke in the baby’s room and their heads should never be covered. As cute as it seems ringing your bub with coloured teddies and fluffy pillows, they should never be around your baby when it sleeps. Infants should also never be placed to sleep on top, or between pillows.

Nay

The risks are pretty high which is no wonder many mothers opt for a strict no bed-sharing routine. Sleeping together can put babies at risk of strangulation, suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Note babies under 12 weeks are particularly vulnerable.

Additionally some infants learn to associate sleep with being next to you. This can be a problem when you want them to sleep without you like nap time or at 7pm.

Some of the safety risks for bed-sharing include:

• An infant sleeping on a couch alone or with a parent

• An infant sleeping between two parents

• Parents who smoke

• Exhausted parents

• Parents with a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea

• A parent under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• A bed with lots of pillows or bedcovers

Yay

Bed-sharing can be an attractive option for those facing utter exhaustion. Having your baby arm’s length away means you can address any issues your child has immediately. Whether they cry out in the night, need feeding or become too hot you’re right there to calm them down and get them off to sleep again. This usually results in more sleep for mum and baby.

Studies have shown that sharing your bed with your little one encourages breast feeding. The closeness means you can easily feed your child without getting up or turning the lights on. Having minimal disruption to your nights means both you and baby can go back to sleep faster.

Top tips for bed-sharing

• Make sure your mattress is firm

• Keep the bedding light and minimal

• Keep your baby warm, not hot

• Don't let your baby and toddler sleep next to each other

• Never leave your baby alone in your bed

So if you’re considering bed-sharing think about the pros and cons first. You may find it suits you if your little one is a terrible sleeper and you’re tearing your hair out from exhaustion. However if you have a super soft mattress piled with different blankets, throws and pillows that you don’t want to get rid of it may be more practical to have your infant sleep in another bed.

Here at Wellington Beds we know all the characteristics of a good bed and the requirements of bed-sharing. We use our industry knowledge to advise you and guide you towards a superior sleep. If you talk to one of our instore sleep experts or email us your preferences we can recommend you the best bed for you - whether you’re sleeping solo or lying with your little one.