Many families end up sharing a bed with their baby at some point - whether planned or because everyone falls asleep during a 3am feed. The Lullaby Trust takes a pragmatic approach: the safest place is a cot in the same room, but because co-sleeping happens, they provide detailed guidance on reducing the risks.
When bed sharing is dangerous
Never share a bed if you or your partner have drunk any alcohol, have smoked or the baby was exposed to smoking during pregnancy, have taken drugs or drowsiness-causing medication, or if your baby was born prematurely or weighed under 2.5kg. Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair - this carries an extremely high SIDS risk.
Making your bed safer
Keep pillows and bedding well away from your baby. Remove headboards that could trap limbs. Check your baby can't fall off or get wedged. Never leave your baby alone in an adult bed. Place them on their back.
For breastfeeding mothers
If you worry about falling asleep during night feeds, the Lullaby Trust recommends making your bed safe in advance. Feed lying on your side with baby on the mattress, keeping bedding below their face. Feeding in bed is safer than feeding on a sofa.