Sleep: Safe Surface Checklist
If you are a nonsmoker, sober and unimpaired, a breastfeeding mother, and your baby is healthy and full-term, one his back, lightly dressed, and you both are on a safe surface, the solid research indicates your automatic behaviors and responsiveness as a breastfeeding mother make it practically impossible to roll over on him. Other smothering risks are simple to deal with and are covered below.
Avoid these possible smothering risks:
- Sofas and recliners
- Softness or sagging that keeps a baby from lifting his head free
- Spaces between mattress and headboard, side rails, and wall where a baby could get stuck
- A bed partner who thrashes or sleeps exceptionally soundly
- Other children
- Pets that could interfere
Clear your bed of:
- Unused pillows
- Stuffed toys
- Heavy covers and comforters
- Anything nearby that dangles or tangles (such as cords, strings, scarves, ribbons, elastics)
Check your bed for possible hazards:
- Distance to floor
- Landing surface
- Sharp, poking, or pinching places
By about four months, research indicates that bedsharing with a healthy baby by a responsible adult on a safe surface is as safe as any other sleep arrangement.
From Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family ©2014 by La Leche League International
Sweet Sleep
Safe Sleep for Breastfeeding Babies
Sleep: Bedshare