W o m e n a n d N e wb o r n H e a lt h S e rv ic e
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Safety tips for cot sleeping
• Items such as soft toys, cot bumpers,
sleep positioners or sheep skins can
create a suffocation risk so should
never be put in the cot.
• The cot mattress should be firm and
flat.
• The cot should be made up so your
baby’s feet are near the bottom of the
cot and the covers only come up to your
baby’s shoulders.
For more information on safe sleeping you
may like to visit:
www.sidsandkids.org
www.cyh.com - Sleeping with your baby
Disclaimer: The advice and information contained
herein is provided in good faith as a public service.
However the accuracy of any statements made is not
guaranteed and it is the responsibility of readers to
make their own enquiries as to the accuracy, currency
and appropriateness of any information or advice
provided. Liability for any act or omission occurring
in reliance on this document or for any loss, damage
or injury occurring as a consequence of such act or
omission is expressly disclaimed.
Co-Sleeping/Bed-Sharing
Information for Parents
This brochure is endorsed by the Women’s and Newborns’
Health Network of Western Australia (2008).
Produced by: Women and Newborn Health Service,
Women’s and Newborns’ Health Network and
Child and Adolescent Health Service
Website: http://wnhs.health.wa.gov.au
© July 2008 WNHS 0489
This information is available in
alternative formats upon request
Wom e n an d Ne wborn He alt h S e rv ic e
King Edward Memorial Hospital
374 Bagot Road Subiaco WA 6008
Telephone: (08) 9340 2222
Department of
Health
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Delivering a Healthy WA
Co-sleeping/ bed-sharing
information for parents
Safer bed-sharing information for
parents
There is evidence that links co-sleeping with
sudden infant death (cot death), particularly
when certain other factors are present. This
brochure aims to give you information to
help you keep your baby safe when sleeping.
Co-sleeping is when a mother, or another
person, is asleep with the baby on the
same sleep surface, such as a bed or couch.
Bed-sharing may include co-sleeping and is
therefore considered in the same way.
After three months, if you choose to share a
bed with your baby it is important to ensure
that:
• The mattress is firm and flat.
• The bedding or covers do not overheat
your baby.
• Your baby is free from pillows and
bedding.
• Your baby is dressed warmly in a safe
baby sleeping bag, one fitted with neck
and arm holes, so he/she can lie outside
the bedclothes.
• Your baby is not left alone on the bed.
• After feeding make sure the baby is lying
on his/her back (not their side or tummy).
• Other children or pets NEVER sleep near
your baby.
• Your baby can’t fall out of bed.
Room sharing, with your baby in a different
bed, is different and is recommended when
your baby is young.
Situations when co-sleeping/
bed-sharing is considered high risk
and should be avoided include:
•
•
•
•
•
Babies under three months of age.
When your baby is preterm or very small.
Either parent is a smoker.
The mother smoked in pregnancy.
Either parent is extremely tired or under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Sleeping with a baby on a soft surface
e.g. sofa, couch, waterbed, bean bag or
sagging mattress.
• There is excessive bedding e.g. doonas.
• Other children or pets are also sharing the
sleep surface.
• Your baby is placed between the mother
and the side of the bed, rather than
between parents. Cradling your baby with
the mother’s arm can reduce the chance
of your baby falling out of bed.
• Sleeping on a low mattress may be safer
than a high bed.
• Mothers should lie facing their baby.
• Having a cot or cradle right next to your
bed, so it is like an extension of your bed,
is another good option for young babies.
Make sure there is no gap that your baby
could fall through.
Any benefits of bed sharing must be
carefully considered with the risk factors
stated above. When your baby is settled it
is recommended that you return your baby
to his/her cot.
The benefits of room sharing
SIDS and Kids recommend that your baby’s
cot is placed in the same room as you (the
parents) for the first 6 to 12 months of life.
This can help you to:
• respond to your baby’s needs more
quickly
• maintain successful breastfeeding
• settle and comfort your baby more
conveniently and easily than if sleeping in
a separate room
• communicate and bond with your baby.
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