Jump directly to the content
Cot to know

What is co-sleeping, what are the UK guidelines on sleeping with your baby, are there benefits and is it safe? All you need to know

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs more often when parents share a bed with their kids

PARENTS who have tragically lost their babies are urging other families to educate themselves on the dangers of sharing a bed with their infants.

But are there benefits to co-sleeping and what can be done to make it safer? Here’s all you need to know.

Co-sleeping is a common but controversial phenomenon

Co-sleeping is a common but controversial phenomenon

What is co-sleeping?

Co-sleeping is when parents sleep in the same space as their baby, whether this is in bed or on the sofa.

It’s estimated that half of all UK mums will share a bed with their baby at some point during the first few months of their little one’s life.

But according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs more often when parents co-sleep.

With the shocking news that three babies are dying accidentally each week while sleeping in their parents’ beds – it’s more important than ever that people understand the risks.

Never share your bed with your baby if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs


What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.

In the UK, just under 300 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year.


Most deaths happen during the first six months of a baby’s life.


SIDS also tends to be slightly more common in baby boys.

Heartbroken mum Dawn Barclay recently revealed the horror of waking up to find her little girl dead, as snoozing with the tot was the only way to get her to sleep.

The NHS reveals how parents can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome…

Place your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in the same room as you for the first six months

Don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

Avoid sharing a bed with your baby, especially if you’ve been drinking alcohol, taking drugs or you’re a smoker

Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair

Don’t let your baby get too hot or cold

Keep your baby’s head uncovered, with blankets tucked in no higher than their shoulders

Is it ever okay to co-sleep with your baby?

The National Childbirth Trust acknowledges that there are steps to make co-sleeping safer.

Despite this, they advise: “Never risk falling asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.


“Or, if possible, ask your partner, friend or family member to look after them while you get some rest.”

The NHS is clear you should NEVER co-sleep if…

  • You or your partner smoke, even if you never do so in bed
  • You or your partner have been drinking alcohol
  • You or your partner are on medication which might make you sleep heavily

Are there any ways to make co-sleeping safer?

While it’s never advisable to co-sleep with your baby, the National Childbirth Trust recommends ways to make the bed sharing safer…

  • Keep your baby cool by using sheets and blankets rather than a duvet.
  • Ensure bedding does not cover your baby’s face or head.

Grieving mum Dawn Barclay, who lost her eight-week-old daughter to SIDS, recently revealed that she was given no advice on how to co-sleep safely.

She told the BBC: “It was a brushed-off conversation.


Who is Tamara Ecclestone and what has she said about co-sleeping?

Socialite and F1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone has been open about her parenting methods.

Earlier this year the millionaire daughter of Bernie Ecclestone, who has an estimated £300million fortune, revealed she was still breastfeeding daughter Sophia, who at the time was nearly three. 

Tamara is also a strong believer in attachment parenting, a much-debated style of child-rearing pioneered by American paediatrician Dr William Sears.

Tamara said in December that Sophia sleeps in her and husband Jay Rutland’s marital bed, and has done since she was six months old.

Tamara said: “She goes in the middle and takes up most of the bed. I just sleep on the side.

“It hasn’t really affected the romance. You learn to adapt and change. Obviously it’s different, but it’s still there and we do still make time for each other. Just not as much.”

Where is the safest place for a baby to sleep?


They recommend that babies should be put to sleep on their backs in a cot that is free of bumpers, toys and pillows.

Francine Bates, chief executive of the charity, said: “Twenty-five years after the Back to Sleep campaign, the survey results have shown us we need to go back to basics.”

The Department of Health also states that until a baby is six-months-old, it’s advisable to put them to sleep in a cot in the same room as his or her parents.

Baby boxes have also become an innovative new health trend.

It’s believed that the pioneering design reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, as it prevents tots from rolling onto their tummies.

Loose Women's Anne Diamond speaks about the physical pain of losing her baby to cot death