There are two method in which baby can safely sleep with you in your room. No matter which method you choose, babies should always be flat on their backs. Many moms prefer to bed share in order to make nursing during the night easier, so that mom and baby both get more rest. Others choose to co-sleep, which can involve baby sleeping in the same room, or baby sleeping attached to the bed in his/her own bassinet, crib or safely designed co sleeper. No blankets for babies until age 1 and no pillows for babies until age 2.
For bed sharing: Baby should always be beside Mom, not in between siblings or in between Dad and Mom. Mom must be breastfeeding and a non-smoker. Mom must be drug free and not taking any sleep medications or other medications that may make you tired or dizzy. Make sure you have a firm mattress and use a tight fitted sheet. This ensures baby doesn’t sink into the mattress and that there isn’t any extra, loose bedding that could pose as a danger to your baby. Do not use heavy or bulky blankets and comforters, as these can pose as a suffocation risk. Make sure baby sleeps flat on their backs. Do not use sleep positioners, dock a tots, or other hazardous sleeping equipment, baby should be flat on the bed and no swaddles.
Room sharing and co sleeping: It is recommended to room share for the first 6-12 months. Baby should be in a safely designed crib, bassinet, or co sleeper. Baby should be flat on their backs with a tightly fitted crib sheet. No blankets before 12 months. No pillows before 2 years. Mom and room must be smoke free.
James McKenna. Co sleeping with Infants Sleep Study
