Co-sleeping refers to babies or young children sleeping in close proximity to a parent or caregiver, often in the same room or on the same surface, with the intention of easier caregiving and bonding. However, it also carries potential safety risks, particularly for infants, and guidelines emphasize ways to reduce those risks if co-sleeping is practiced. Key overview

• What it is: Sharing a sleep space with an infant or sleeping in very close proximity, which can include bed-sharing or sleeping in the same room but on a separate surface.
• Why people do it: Support for breastfeeding, quicker response during the night, bonding, and sometimes cultural norms or personal preference.
• Risks: The main safety concern is an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or other sleep-related accidents when certain hazards are present (smoking exposure, alcohol or drugs, excessive bedding, soft surfaces, and parental exhaustion). Safe practices aim to mitigate these risks.

Safety considerations and best practices

• Sleep location: If co-sleeping, place the baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface. If bed-sharing is chosen, be mindful that the safest option is to keep the baby on a separate surface that is directly adjacent to the parent’s bed (sometimes called a co-sleeper) rather than sharing the same mattress.
• Environment: Keep the sleeping surface free from soft bedding, pillows, and heavy blankets. The room should be not too hot, smoke-free, and the baby should be in a breathable, safe sleeping environment.
• Parental readiness: Do not co-sleep if anyone in the room is a smoker, if alcohol or drugs are involved, if sleep is unusually compromised, or if the baby was born preterm or with a low birth weight. In these cases, safer options include placing the baby in a separate sleep space in the same room.
• Positioning and readiness: Ensure the baby is easily able to breathe and is securely placed to prevent any risk of suffocation or overheating.

When not to co-sleep

• If there is cigarette smoke exposure, alcohol or sedating medications, illness, extreme tiredness, or if the baby is preterm or small for gestational age.
• In such circumstances, plan for a separate sleep space in the same room or a safe sleep surface that allows quick access without compromising safety.

Alternatives and safer options

• Room-sharing without bed-sharing: The baby sleeps in a separate sleep surface (crib, bassinet, or portable cot) in the same room as the caregiver. This can support feeding and responsiveness while minimizing bed-sharing risks.
• Co-sleeper devices: A bedside bassinet or attached co-sleeper that keeps the baby close but on a separate surface.

Practical tips for safer co-sleeping (if chosen)

• Use a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet; keep the sleep surface clear of loose blankets, pillows, and soft objects.
• The baby should not be placed on the parent's chest or in an environment where they could be rolled over onto.
• Ensure the parent maintains a safe sleep position and stays aware of the baby’s presence and breathing.
• Limit bed-sharing to older infants if cultural or practical considerations make it likely, and transition the infant to a separate sleep area once feasible for safety.

If you want, I can tailor the guidance to your specific situation (age of child, country or region, and any safety concerns you have) and translate key safety points into your preferred language with careful formatting.