How long should my baby sleep in the same room as me?
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, and let baby sleep in the same room as you.
Babies should always be in the same room as you for the first six months for sleep, day and night. This doesn’t mean you can’t leave the room to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet, but for most of the time when they are sleeping they are safest if you are close by.
There are no devices on the market that will substitute a parent or carer being in the same room as baby for safer sleep.
Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair
Sofas and armchairs are dangerous places to fall asleep with your baby – move somewhere safer if you might fall asleep.
Reason: the risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can’t breathe.
Any time you think you might fall asleep with your baby, make sure they are on their back in a clear, safe space.
The chance of SIDS is lower when you have your baby sleep in the same room as you compared to having them sleep alone.
Glossary of terms
🟡 Room sharing | When a baby sleeps in their parent(s) or carer in their own separate sleeping space such as a cot or Moses basket.
🟡 Bed sharing | When a baby shares the same bed with an adult for most of the night, and not just to be comforted or fed. Some parents also choose to sleep with their baby in other places.
🟡 Sofa sharing | When a parent or carer sleeps on a sofa or armchair with a baby (remember – this is dangerous)
🟡 Co-sleeping | When parents or carers sleep on a bed, a sofa or a chair with a baby
