NHS England update on co-sleeping!

So if I told you that:

Nearly 50% of all families will have their baby in bed with them at some point in the first few months..

.. You would probably be thinking that if co-sleeping is so common, then why does it seem to be so hush hush?

Now firstly, I do want to point out that the safest practice is for your baby to sleep in their own cot, on their back.. there is no denying that.

BUT..

If co-sleeping is so common then why do we not get told about how to co-sleep safely rather than to NEVER co-sleep with your baby?

Well, the good news is..!

NHS England has now updated their guidance to reflect this.

NHS England have removed their previous advice of 'never to bedshare' and have replaced this with, 'be safe if you share a bed with your baby'.

This is amazing progress!

New advice from NHS England states..

If you share a bed with your baby (co-sleeping), you should:

• Make sure they sleep on a firm, flat mattress lying on their back
• Not have any pillows or duvets near them
• Not have other children or pets in the bed at the same time

When it is not safe to bed share..

• If your baby has a low birthweight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb)

If you or your partner:

• Smoke (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed)
• Have had 2 or more units of alcohol
• Have taken recreational drugs
• Have taken medicine that causes drowsiness

For further advice and guidance on this, please visit NHS England or The Lullaby Trust website.

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