International Baby Sleep Research Leads To New Bedsharing Advice

Research by Durham University’s baby sleep experts has led to new international guidance on bedsharing.

In the new protocol, breastfeeding mothers and babies are not advised against bedsharing, as long as no dangerous circumstances exist. This marks a departure from advice most commonly given which categorically advises against bedsharing.

The new clinical guidance has been heavily informed by research from our Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre.

Safe bedsharing

The protocol has been published by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, an international body of physicians, and is aimed at clinicians world-wide.

It emphasises that all parents should be educated on safe bedsharing, with the understanding that bedsharing is very common.

Dangerous circumstances include sleeping with an adult on a sofa or armchair; sleeping next to an adult impaired by alcohol, medications, or illicit drugs; tobacco exposure; and preterm birth.

Keeping babies safe

Our Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre has been at the forefront of infant sleep research for over 20 years. It has made a significant contribution to keeping babies safe at night, including helping to reduce the rates of Suddent Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Our researchers conduct studies in people’s homes, in hospitals and in our own sleep lab on campus where parents and babies can be observed during the night with cameras and via breathing, heart rate and temperature monitors.

Evidence from our research shows that breastfed babies, who share the bed with their mothers, sleep on their backs, and are naturally positioned away from pillows and things that may obstruct their airways. Breastfeeding mothers instinctively form a protective position around their baby.

The bedroom that helps parents and babies to sleep better… The research by the Parent-Infant Sleep Lab has helped to shape the way babies sleep and how parents care for them at night-time.

Find out more

See the press release here.

2 Comments
  1. November Chizurumoke says

    I co-sleep with my babies until they turn 1. It keeps the baby safe especially at night where there is a risk of SID and makes night breastfeeding easier.

  2. Ohioren Aigbokhaevbo says

    For a deep sleeper, it’s a NO-NO. You could strangle your baby while sleeping without knowing. Better still get a baby cot, your baby can sleep in it in your room.

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