Here Is Why We Should Never Let A Baby Sleep In The Same Bed
By Molly
1 year ago
1. Sudden infant death syndrome
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SIDS is the sudden death of a baby under the age of one without explanation. Of course, whilst this devastating event is an unexplained one, there are still certain risk factors associated with SIDS. One of which is when the baby sleeps in the same bed as their parent. This is because of the numerous risks associated with this, such as suffocation, overheating, disrupted sleep and many others, which we'll explore in this article.2. Choking
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The contents of a baby's crib is minimal, and this is for a reason - safety. So, when a baby sleeps in the same bed as an adult, they're exposed to a number of objects could potentially cause them to choke. For example, a baby could suck on bedding, pillows, blankets or whatever else is lying around the bed. In their own crib, there are less factors that could block their airways.3. Suffocation
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Likewise, these objects can very easily suffocate a baby. When sharing a bed with an infant, you can't have your eye on them all night long, as you're likely to be asleep! Suffocating can be silent, and happen without you knowing it. So, keep this risk to a minimum by keeping the baby and parents bed separate. The baby's crib shouldn't contain pillows, quilts or even stuffed animals.4. Falling out of bed
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Another reason for the design of cribs in the first place is of course for their security. The bars keep the baby from rolling out. When the baby is sleeping in an adult bed, there are no safety mechanisms in place to prevent them from rolling off the edge. Not to mention, they're likely to be higher up here with a bigger drop to the floor. This could do serious damage to your infant.5. Accidental smothering
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There are horror stories all over the internet about this exact thing. Even falling asleep with your baby in your bed for a couple of hours can pose a risk. This is especially true if the parent is sleep deprived or intoxicated, because these factors are likely to send them into a deeper sleep. Whilst asleep, it's possible that the adult can roll over onto the baby, causing the infant to be smothered.6. Fire
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In the unexpected event that a fire was to break out in your home, when your baby is sleeping in the same bed as you instead of their cot, they're far more at risk of harm. The first reason for this is that they are more likely to be overcome by the smoke and fumes, attaching themselves to the sheets. Secondly, when the adult panics, they risk fast movements that could cause the baby to fall off. The baby could also become wrapped up or trapped in the sheets, giving less time to escape.7. Parent injuries
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Of course, the baby's safety is always the number one priority. But it's important to acknowledge the safety of the parents, too. There has actually been research to show that mothers who co-sleep with their baby are more likely to suffer from injuries than those who do not. This could be because their sleep quality is compromised, weakening their immune system and responses to danger.8. Maternal sleep deprivation
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Any new parent knows the feeling of sleep deprivation. It's tough! But, parents don't give themselves a fighting chance of getting a good, restful night sleep when they bring their infant into bed with them. Anxiety of rolling onto the baby, hearing and feeling them stir, and lack of room in the bed can all cause the parent to struggle to get to sleep. Having the baby in the same room where you can keep an eye on them, but in their own crib, is generally safer.9. Breastfeeding problems
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Some mothers who have chosen to breastfeed notice that this is far more difficult to do when they are co-sleeping with their baby. This is because when you're not well rested, your milk supply can be adversely affected. It can also be difficult to get into a comfortable breastfeeding position with your baby, when there is a lack of room in the bed.10. Delayed development
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There have been a number of different modes of research which have suggested that co-sleeping can have an impact on the babies development. One of the studies particularly focused on language development, which showed that babies who co-slept were more likely to have delayed speech. A separate study found a link between a delay in motor skills and co-sleeping.11. Increased risk of obesity
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Potentially due to the fact that co-sleeping can have a negative impact on a babies sleep quality, there has been a link found between obesity in children and co-sleeping. Another reason could be that when a child is used to co-sleeping, they don't adequately learn how to self-soothe. This can make it harder for them to sleep through the night on their own, or cause them to look to food for added comfort.12. Allergies
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Generally speaking, there are more allergens in an adult's bed than there would be in a babies crib. For example, lotions and perfumes which can rub off from the parents onto the sheets. There also may be pet dander or harsh cleaning chemicals that wouldn't be used on the babies items. When exposed to these allergens from a young age, an infant can be more likely to develop allergies.13. Asthma
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Whilst there is definitely more research needed in this area, some child experts have claimed that there could be a potential link between co-sleeping and asthma. This could be down to the exposure of chemicals, dust and allergens. Which, when exposed from an infant, could potentially weaken a babies lungs, making them more likely to develop asthma in the future.14. Ear infections
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A babies immune system is weak, when they're exposed to germs they can easily become ill. So, when your baby is sharing a bed with you, you could be unknowingly passing on germs and bacteria which you have picked up throughout the day. You could be carrying a cold or flu, even if you're asymptomatic. With this in mind, co-sleeping could cause your baby to become ill, raising their risk of ear infections.15. RSV infection
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Respiratory syncytial virus is common mostly in young children and infants. Usually, the symptoms are similar to a cold. But, in more severe cases, RSV can develop into pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can be highly dangerous in babies. This goes back to co-sleeping making it more likely for your baby to pick up germs from you at night, by sleeping beside them in close proximity.16. Meningitis
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Meningitis mostly affects babies that are under the age of 1. A lot of the time, the virus is spread by adults who are not unwell, but are unknowingly carrying the virus in their nose or throat. So, when you co-sleep with your baby, you're potentially increasing the risk of this virus spreading to them, due to the close proximity in which you sleep.17. Conjunctivitis
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Conjunctivitis in babies can happen for a number of reasons: blocked tear ducts, irritation, viruses and bacteria. Having your baby sleep in bed with you can increase the risk of all of these things. There are more irritants in your bed than in their crib, including harsher chemicals, lotions, dust, etc. The risk of passing on bacteria to your baby also still stands.18. Impetigo
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If you know anything about Impetigo, you'll know that it certainly isn't pleasant. This skin condition can be very sore for babies, resulting in blisters, crusts and itching. Bacteria is the cause of this skin condition, which is spread from an infected person's skin, bedsheets, towels, toys, etc. Sometimes, this condition is asymptomatic in adults and there might be no pain or sores. Co-sleeping could therefore unknowingly pass this on to your baby.19. Head lice
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Head lice are easily spread by close head-to-head contact. So, when you and your child sleep side by side, you're both more at risk of catching head lice from each other! Now of course, this is more likely in slightly older children, when they have more hair on their heads. It's possible that you could pass head lice on before even yet realizing that you have them.20. Bed bugs
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Bed bugs are highly annoying and difficult to get rid of. They're far more likely to exist in the bed of an adult than in the crib of a baby. This is because they can attach themselves to objects such as your bags, purse, or coats. Once laid down on your bed, they hop off and boom - there's an infestation. You're less likely to lay these items down in your babies crib, so the risk is far lower.21. Exposure to secondhand smoke
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If the parents are smokers, then co-sleeping is not recommended. The smoke can be absorbed into your clothing and rub off onto your bed sheets and pillows. So, when your baby is introduced into your bed with you, then they're far more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Not to mention, you're lying in close proximity, and if you've had a cigarette before bed, you're then breathing the same air.22. Exposure to allergens
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There are far more allergens likely to be found in your bed than what would be in your babies crib. To name a few, there could be more dust, pet dander, or even mold. Their crib will have minimal additions in there with them, so if they sleep here, they will be less likely to have a reaction. Look out for skin rashes, wheezing, runny noses etc. If you notice this, they're probably better off in their own crib.23. Exposure to dust mites
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Dust mites are actually quite commonly found in an adults bed. Not so much in a babies crib! So, when your baby is sleeping in bed with you, they're more at risk of being exposed to dust mites. Some babies may be allergic to dust mites which can cause them some discomfort. It's far easier to keep a babies crib dust free due to the lack of duvet, pillows and blankets.24. Bacteria
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Even when your bed is clean, there is always a risk of bacteria living in there with you. You bring in all kinds of bacteria that you've unknowingly collected throughout the day, which can then attach itself to your pillows, duvet and sheets. Some of this bacteria may of course be harmless, but others, not so much. Limit the risk of your baby picking up this bacteria by keeping them out of your bed overnight.25. Exposure to viruses
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Viruses are also commonly found in many adult beds. They are often there without you even knowing it! You may have picked up a virus but been able to fight this off, but this could still be living in your bed. Or, you may not realise yet that you are unwell, yet to show symptoms. Sharing a bed with your baby makes them more likely to pick up infections.26. Parasites
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Whilst parasites are less commonly found in beds, it is definitely still possible. Once a parasite comes into contact with the surfaces and materials of your bed sheets, pillows and duvet, they can create a new habitat for themselves here. Some examples are scabies mites or ringworm. These parasites are more likely to come in contact with an adult's bed, so keep your baby out.27. Exposure to chemicals
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You don't realise how many different chemicals can be found in your mattress, pillows, etc. These chemicals may generally be safe for you, a full grown adult, but not so much for a baby still adapting to their surroundings and building an immune system. Phthalates is a chemical found in perfumes, soaps and lotions, which can potentially be harmful to your baby. This is just one example.28. Noise
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It's important for babies (and you) to get a restful nights sleep. Ideally, your baby needs a calm, peaceful environment to get to sleep in, without noise or disruption. This is far more difficult to create when your baby shares a bed with you. Your movements, snoring, television and phone are just a handful of noisy distractions that could keep them from a deep sleep.29. Excessive light
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Too much light can also disrupt a babies sleep. When they are in their own crib, you can control the lighting in the room with ease, without it impacting on your own night time routine. However, when your baby is sharing a bed with you, there's more likely to be artificial light from technology which can be disrupting. Also, your bedtime is likely to be later than your little ones, so lights out time for you is probably too late for them.30. Disturbance from pets
