If you’ve ever found yourself half-asleep at 3 a.m., staring at your wide-awake baby and thinking, “Maybe we’d both sleep better if I just kept them in my bed,” you’re not alone. Many parents face the question of co-sleeping with their baby, and it often comes from pure survival mode. After all, who wouldn’t want more rest? But before you pull your little one under the covers, it’s important to understand the risks, the benefits, and how to co-sleep safely if you choose to do it.

Is Co Sleeping With an Infant Safe?

The short answer: it depends. Co-sleeping, where your baby sleeps close to you. Whether in your bed, in a bedside bassinet, or in the same room. It has been practiced in many cultures for centuries. Some experts point out that it encourages bonding and can even make nighttime feeding easier.

But when we’re talking about sharing the same bed, safety becomes a big concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against bed-sharing, especially with newborns, due to risks like suffocation, overheating, or accidental rolling. Babies under 4 months, premature babies, and those with low birth weight are especially vulnerable.

That doesn’t mean co-sleeping with a baby is completely off the table. It just means you need to think carefully about how to co-sleep safely. Room-sharing (keeping your baby in a crib or bassinet in your room) is considered the safest co-sleeping setup for the first 6–12 months.

Co-sleeping more safely

If you do decide to try bed-sharing, there are ways to reduce risks and create a safer environment:

• Always use a firm mattress. Avoid soft surfaces like couches or armchairs where babies can sink in.

• Try to keep pillows and blankets away. Your baby’s sleep space should be clear of anything that could block their airway.

• It is better to place the baby on its back. This reduces the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, medication, or anything that affects your alertness increases the risk when co sleeping.

• Dress your baby lightly in soft pajamas. Overheating is a hidden danger, so skip extra layers.

• Consider a sidecar crib. These attach to your bed, giving you closeness without the risks of full bed-sharing.

Practicing how to co sleep safely isn’t about creating a perfect setup—it’s about lowering risks while balancing your need for rest and your baby’s need for comfort.

So, is co sleeping with a baby safe? 

The answer lies in how you do it. Room-sharing is the safest option, but if you choose bed-sharing, follow precautions to make it as secure as possible. Parenting is never one-size-fits-all, and what works for one exhausted mom at 2 a.m. may not work for another.

Whether your baby snoozes in a bassinet next to your bed or curled up safely by your side, remember you’re doing your best. The goal is simple: to keep your baby safe and loved while making sure both of you get the sleep you need.