# Should my baby sleep in the same bed as me to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids
Language: en
Category: pediatrics
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.226Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.226Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids

No, your baby should not sleep in the same bed with you to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Instead, it is recommended to place the infant in the same room as you but in a separate surface designed for infants, such as a crib or bassinet, for at least six months [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>). This practice significantly reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths.

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age, often occurring during sleep [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>). Although the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.

## Why is bed-sharing not recommended?

Bed-sharing—sleeping on the same surface with an infant, such as an adult bed, sofa, or armchair—significantly increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S3>). These risks can include accidental suffocation or entrapment, where the baby's body or head can become wedged between two objects, such as the mattress and a wall, bed frame, or furniture [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S3>). Also, items like a pillow or an adult's arm could cover the baby's face and nose, leading to suffocation [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S3>).

## The difference between room-sharing and bed-sharing

It is important to distinguish between bed-sharing and room-sharing. Room-sharing means keeping the infant in the same room as the parents but on a separate sleeping surface designed for infants [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S3>). Placing a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard right next to the adult bed makes it easy to feed, comfort, and check on the infant during the night without having to get fully out of bed [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S3>). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least six months to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S3>).

## Tips for a safe infant sleep environment

In addition to avoiding bed-sharing, there are several other steps you can take to create a safe sleep environment for your infant and reduce the risk of SIDS:

- **Place the infant on their back to sleep:** The infant should be placed on their back to sleep every time, even for short naps [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>).

- **Use a firm sleep surface:** The infant should sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as a crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>).

- **Remove soft objects and loose bedding:** Soft objects and loose bedding, such as blankets, quilts, pillows, and stuffed animals, should be kept away from the infant's sleep area [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>).

- **Breastfeeding:** Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of SIDS [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>).

- **Maintain a comfortable room temperature:** Ensure the infant does not get too hot. The room temperature should be comfortable for an adult [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>).

- **Avoid smoking:** Do not smoke during pregnancy and do not allow anyone to smoke near your baby [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#source-S1>).

For additional information on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby, you can visit [SIDS: Tips for a Safe Sleep Environment (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/sids-safe-sleep-environment-tips>).

## When should you seek medical help?

If you have any concerns about your baby's health or sleep environment, it is important to consult your pediatrician. The doctor can provide personalized guidance and answer any questions you have to ensure your baby's safety.

## Medical references

- [Sudden Infant Death Syndrome](<https://medlineplus.gov/suddeninfantdeathsyndrome.html>)

- [Definitions & Terms](<https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/about/terms>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/should-my-baby-sleep-in-the-same-bed-as-me-to-avoid-sids#answer