Babies should sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months of life. This practice, known as room sharing (where the baby has their own separate sleep space like a crib or bassinet in the parents' room), significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
. Key points include:
- The baby should sleep on their back in a firm, flat, and clear sleep surface such as a cot, crib, Moses basket, or bassinet
- Room sharing does not mean bed sharing; the baby should have their own separate sleep space in the same room, not share the adult bed
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing for at least six months, and ideally up to 12 months
- After about 4 months, some studies suggest babies may sleep better in their own rooms, but this must be balanced with safety recommendations
- Parents should avoid sleeping with the baby on sofas or armchairs, as these are very high-risk environments for SIDS and accidental suffocation
In summary, the safest approach is to keep your baby sleeping in your room, in their own safe sleep space, for at least the first six months to reduce SIDS risk. After that period, some families may choose to transition the baby to their own room based on their comfort and the baby's sleep patterns
