Sleep with a newborn rarely looks the way parents expect, and many families eventually encounter co-sleeping with a baby or bedsharing during the early months.

Many families begin with plans for a crib or bedside bassinet, only to discover that frequent night waking, feeding, and exhaustion make nighttime arrangements far more complicated.

Because of this, co-sleeping with a baby — particularly bedsharing — is something many parents encounter whether they planned to or not.

Sometimes it happens intentionally.
Sometimes it happens accidentally during a late-night feed.

Increasingly, healthcare organisations emphasise that parents benefit from clear, evidence-based information about safer sleep environments, including what reduces risk if bedsharing occurs.

Understanding the difference between co-sleeping, bedsharing, and safer sleep recommendations can help families make informed decisions that prioritise both rest and safety.

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What Is Co-Sleeping vs Bedsharing?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe slightly different arrangements.

Co-sleeping generally refers to a parent sleeping close to their baby.

This could include:

• A bedside crib next to the bed
• A bassinet within arm’s reach
• A side-car crib attached to the adult bed

Bedsharing, on the other hand, means a baby sleeps on the same sleep surface as a parent, usually the adult mattress.

Healthcare guidance in the UK notes that the safest place for a baby to sleep during the first six months is in a cot or crib in the parents’ bedroom, positioned close to the bed.

However, research and clinical guidance acknowledge that bedsharing is common among parents with newborn babies, both in hospital and at home.

Why Many Parents End Up Bedsharing

Parents often bring their babies into bed for very practical reasons.

For example:

• breastfeeding during the night
• comforting and settling a baby
• skin-to-skin contact
• soothing frequent waking

NHS maternity guidance explains that parents may take their baby into bed to feed, comfort, or get to know their baby, even if they did not intend to fall asleep together.

For breastfeeding mothers in particular, many report that sharing a sleep space makes nighttime feeding easier.

Research has also found that babies who share a bed with their mother are more likely to still be breastfeeding at three months, partly because feeding becomes more convenient during the night.

Because of this reality, healthcare professionals increasingly recognise the importance of open conversations about nighttime care, rather than assuming parents will never share a sleep space with their baby.

What Research Says About Bedsharing

Research examining infant sleep environments highlights a complex relationship between breastfeeding, sleep proximity, and infant safety.

An integrated analysis published in the Journal of Human Lactation reviewed maternal-infant sleep studies and noted that many caregivers sleep with their infants at some point during the first year.

The authors emphasised that public health guidance should include balanced discussions about both risks and safer practices, especially when parents do share a sleep space.

Guidance referenced by UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative similarly stresses the importance of talking honestly with parents about nighttime care. Because accidental bedsharing can occur during feeding or soothing, providing realistic information helps families reduce potential risks.

Studies exploring breastfeeding and infant outcomes have also found that breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), although many factors influence infant sleep safety.

Safer Sleep Guidance for Babies

Healthcare guidance in the UK emphasises several important factors that help reduce sleep-related risks.

Parents who want to create calmer nighttime routines may also find it helpful to prepare the sleep environment carefully. This guide explains how to create a Montessori nursery for newborns.

A baby’s sleep environment should ideally include:

• a firm, flat sleep surface
• a clear sleep space without pillows, toys, or loose bedding
• the baby sleeping on their back
• avoiding overheating

Clinical guidance also emphasises that sofas and armchairs are particularly dangerous places to fall asleep with a baby, as they carry a much higher risk of suffocation or entrapment.

Because many parents are extremely tired in the early days after birth, healthcare professionals often discuss safer sleep environments with families soon after delivery and during postnatal visits.

These conversations help parents understand how different factors — including sleep surfaces, bedding, and parental tiredness — can influence risk.

Situations Where Bedsharing Carries Higher Risk

Research consistently identifies certain situations where bedsharing may carry increased risk.

These include when:

• either parent smokes or smoked during pregnancy
• alcohol or drugs are involved
• the baby was born prematurely
• the baby has a low birth weight
• the sleep surface is a sofa or armchair

NHS guidance explains that parents should avoid bedsharing if these risk factors apply, because the association with sudden infant death syndrome may be higher.

Healthcare professionals often emphasise that environmental factors matter, and that understanding these risks helps parents make safer decisions.

Why Honest Conversations About Sleep Matter

One important point highlighted in NHS maternity guidance is that co-sleeping is not always planned or intentional.

Parents may begin feeding their baby in bed and fall asleep unexpectedly, particularly during the exhausting early weeks after birth.

Because this happens frequently, health professionals are encouraged to have parent-centred discussions about sleep arrangements, tailored to each family’s circumstances.

Providing balanced information helps parents understand:

• the potential benefits of closeness and breastfeeding
• the factors that increase risk
• ways to create safer sleep environments

This approach recognises that there is no single message that works for every family or situation.

Safer Alternatives for Parents Who Want Closeness

Many families look for ways to remain close to their baby at night while still providing a separate sleep surface.

Bedside cribs are one of the most common options.

A bedside crib such as the Tutti Bambini CoZee Bedside Crib allows babies to sleep next to their parents while remaining on their own firm mattress.

→ Check the current price on Amazon: Tutti Bambini CoZee Bedside Crib

Parents often find that bedside cribs make nighttime feeding easier without needing to fully leave the bed.

Using a breathable sleep sack, such as the Tommee Tippee Swaddle Bag Baby Sleep Bag, can also reduce the need for loose blankets that might cover a baby’s face during sleep.

→ Check the current price on Amazon: Tommee Tippee Swaddle Bag Baby Sleep Bag

Another option many parents use during the newborn stage is a soft swaddling sleep sack, which can help babies feel secure while sleeping. The Ergobaby swaddler is made from breathable 100% cotton and is designed to keep babies comfortably wrapped without overheating, even in warmer months. Its ergonomic design supports a healthy hip position while the arm pouches gently guide babies into a natural “hands on chest” position, which can help settle the startle reflex that often wakes newborns. The removable leg pouch also makes nighttime nappy changes easier without fully unwrapping the swaddle.

Choosing the Right Baby Sleeping Bag (TOG Guide)

Baby sleeping bags can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) because they prevent babies from wriggling underneath loose bedding.

When using a sleep sack, it’s important to make sure it fits snugly around your baby’s shoulders, so their head cannot slip inside the bag.

Sleeping bags are given a TOG rating, which indicates how warm the fabric is. Choosing the correct TOG depends on your room temperature, not the season.

According to NHS safer sleep guidance, babies should sleep without loose blankets or duvets, and parents should adjust clothing layers based on the temperature of the room.

Recommended TOG Ratings

• 2.5 TOG – Suitable for cooler rooms around 16–20°C (typical UK nursery temperature).
• 1.0 TOG – Suitable for warmer rooms around 20–24°C.
• 0.5 TOG – Suitable for hot weather or rooms around 24–27°C.

Rather than adding blankets, adjust what your baby wears underneath the sleeping bag. A simple rule is to dress your baby in one more light layer than an adult would feel comfortable wearing in the same room.

Always check that your baby does not feel too hot, especially around the back of the neck or chest.

Some families also find that a soft dim night light, like the JolyWell Dimmable Night Light, helps create a calmer environment for nighttime feeds without fully waking the baby.

→ Check the current price on Amazon: JolyWell Dimmable Night Light

These small adjustments can make nighttime care easier while maintaining a safer sleep space.

If your toddler seems unusually energetic or restless at night, it may actually be a sign of overtiredness. This guide explains why some toddlers become hyper before bed and what parents can do about it.

→ 18 Month Old Hyper Before Bed? The Surprising Reason

A Montessori Perspective on Infant Sleep

Montessori environments often focus on independence and freedom of movement, particularly once babies begin crawling and exploring.

As children grow, many families transition from shared sleep spaces to independent sleeping environments. This guide explains how to design a Montessori bedroom for 12–18 month olds in a way that supports calm bedtime routines and independence.

For example, some Montessori-inspired homes eventually introduce floor beds that allow older babies to move independently within a safe room.

However, during the newborn stage, the primary focus remains on safe sleep environments and responsive caregiving.

A calm, uncluttered sleep space with predictable routines can help both babies and parents adjust to the rhythms of early infancy.

During the toddler stage, the daytime environment can also influence sleep quality. These Montessori tools for independent play help create calm, focused play that supports healthier sleep rhythms.

→ Montessori tools for independent play

Bed Rails for Toddlers Transitioning From Co-Sleeping

Bed rails can be particularly helpful during the transition from co-sleeping to independent sleep, when toddlers are adjusting to a new sleeping space.

As babies grow into toddlers, many families move from bedsharing to a toddler bed or Montessori-style floor bed. During this stage, some parents choose to add a simple bed rail to help prevent rolling out of bed while children are still developing spatial awareness during sleep.

A practical option is the Safety 1st Portable Bed Rail, designed to support toddlers during the transition from a cot to a toddler bed. The rail features a sturdy metal frame with breathable mesh fabric, allowing good airflow and clear visibility while helping prevent children from rolling out of bed during the night.

→ Check the current price on Amazon: Safety 1st Portable Bed Rail

The rail is easy to install and includes an automatic locking mechanism that keeps it securely in place while your child sleeps. Because it folds down and adjusts in length, it can also be useful when travelling, compactly folding from 106 cm to around 71 cm for easier transport and storage.

This type of toddler bed guard is compatible with most standard and slatted toddler beds and works with mattresses approximately 156–190 cm long and 10–23 cm thick. The lightweight frame is easy to wipe clean, helping maintain a hygienic sleep environment.

As with any sleep safety product, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure the rail is used with compatible beds and mattresses.

Final Thoughts

Sleep with a new baby is rarely simple.

Some families use bedside cribs.
Some share a room with a cot.
Some end up bedsharing unexpectedly during a late-night feed.

Research and healthcare guidance increasingly recognise that many parents will share a sleep space with their baby at some point, whether intentionally or accidentally.

Because of this, providing clear, balanced information about safer sleep environments allows parents to make informed decisions that prioritise their baby’s wellbeing.

And in the early months of parenting, finding a balance between safety, closeness, and rest is something every family continues to learn.

Quick Guide: Safer Co-Sleeping and Bedsharing

Many parents end up sharing a sleep space with their baby at some point — whether intentionally or accidentally during a night feed. Understanding a few key safety principles can help reduce risks and create a calmer sleep environment.

Safer sleep reminders:

✔ The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a separate cot next to the parents’ bed for the first six months

✔ Always place babies on their back to sleep

✔ Use a firm, flat mattress with no pillows, toys, or loose bedding

✔ Avoid falling asleep with a baby on sofas or armchairs

✔ Keep the sleep environment cool and uncluttered

✔ Avoid bedsharing if smoking, alcohol, drugs, or extreme exhaustion are involved

Many families also find that bedside cribs, sleep sacks, and calm sleep environments help make nighttime care easier while maintaining safer sleep practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Co-Sleeping and Bedsharing

Is it safe to co-sleep with a newborn?

The safest place for a newborn to sleep is in a separate cot or crib in the parents’ room for the first six months, according to UK safe sleep guidance.

However, many parents end up co-sleeping at some point, often while feeding or comforting their baby at night. Because of this, healthcare professionals increasingly encourage parents to understand the factors that can increase or reduce risks, so they can make informed decisions about nighttime care.

What is the difference between co-sleeping and bedsharing?

The terms are often used interchangeably but they mean different things.

Co-sleeping generally refers to a baby sleeping close to their parents — usually in the same room.

Bedsharing means the baby sleeps on the same mattress as a parent.

Room-sharing with a separate crib or bedside bassinet is widely recommended because it allows closeness while maintaining a separate sleep surface for the baby.

Why do many parents end up bedsharing?

Many parents bring their baby into bed for practical reasons such as:

• breastfeeding during the night
• comforting a waking baby
• settling a baby back to sleep
• skin-to-skin contact

Research has found that breastfeeding mothers often sleep facing their babies in a protective position, and many parents report that bedsharing makes nighttime feeding easier.

However, it is important for parents to understand the safety considerations before sharing a sleep surface.

When is bedsharing more dangerous for babies?

Research shows that the risk associated with bedsharing increases in certain situations.

These include when:

• a parent smokes or smoked during pregnancy
• alcohol or drugs are involved
• the baby was born prematurely
• the baby has a low birth weight
• the baby is sleeping on a sofa or armchair

Sofas and armchairs are considered particularly dangerous places to fall asleep with a baby.

Understanding these risk factors can help parents create safer sleep environments.

Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of SIDS?

Several studies suggest that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Breastfeeding is also one of the reasons many parents bring babies into bed during nighttime feeds, as it can make feeding and settling easier during the night.

Because of this, many healthcare professionals now recommend discussing both breastfeeding and sleep safety together when supporting new parents.

What is the safest sleep setup for a newborn?

For most families, the recommended setup includes:

• a firm mattress
• a clear sleep space with no loose bedding
• the baby sleeping on their back
• the baby sleeping in the parents’ room for the first six months

Many parents use bedside cribs or bassinets to keep their baby close while maintaining a separate sleep surface.

What should parents avoid when sleeping near a baby?

Parents should avoid:

• sleeping with a baby on a sofa or armchair
• loose bedding or pillows near the baby
• overheating the baby
• sleeping with the baby if alcohol or drugs are involved

These factors significantly increase sleep-related risks.

Do Montessori families co-sleep with babies?

Montessori philosophy does not prescribe a single sleep arrangement.

The focus is typically on creating calm, prepared environments that support independence and safety.

In early infancy this usually means prioritising safe sleep environments and responsive caregiving. As babies grow and become mobile, some Montessori homes transition to floor beds that allow freedom of movement in a fully baby-proofed room.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your midwife, health visitor, or healthcare provider regarding safe sleep practices for your baby.

Sources and Research Referenced

This article summarises guidance from UK health organisations including the NHS, UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, and the Royal College of Midwives.

• UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative – Caring for Your Baby at Night
• Royal College of Midwives (2021) – Safer Sleep Guidance for Maternity Healthcare Professionals
• Marinelli K., Ball H., McKenna J., Blair P. (2019) – Maternal-Infant Sleep and SIDS Research, Journal of Human Lactation
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (2019) – Bedsharing and Breastfeeding Protocol
• NHS Safer Sleep Guidance