2025 Guide: Safe Sleep 7 Rules for Co-Sleeping with Your Baby to Protect Your Little One

Welcoming a newborn brings a flood of advice and safety tips, and one of the most debated topics is whether your baby should share your bed. Co-sleeping, or bed sharing, is embraced in many cultures worldwide but remains controversial in the U.S., where medical experts often advise caution due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

So, can baby safely sleep in your bed? If yes, how do you minimize risks? Enter the Safe Sleep Seven—a set of seven practical guidelines designed to make co-sleeping safer for both baby and parents.

Origins and Purpose of Safe Sleep Seven

Introduced in 1999 by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Linda J. Smith, and Teresa Pitman in the book "Sweet Sleep," the Safe Sleep Seven were created to normalize and support safe bed sharing, especially for breastfeeding families. New parents often face exhaustion and frequent nighttime feedings, making separate sleep spaces challenging. These guidelines help parents navigate safe co-sleeping practices.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises room-sharing without bed sharing to reduce SIDS risk, resources like La Leche League (LLL) promote the Safe Sleep Seven as a helpful tool for nursing moms and bottle-feeding parents alike.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed sharing to reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk."

The Safe Sleep Seven Rhyme: Easy-to-Remember Tips

The Safe Sleep Seven is often shared as a catchy rhyme to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," making it easier for parents to recall essential safety steps:

• No smoke, sober mom
• Baby at your breast
• Healthy baby on his back
• Keep him lightly dressed
• Not too soft a bed
• Watch the cords and gaps
• Keep the covers off his head
• For your nights and naps

These tips align with scientific studies and emphasize behaviors that reduce SIDS risk, including avoiding smoke exposure and ensuring safe sleep positioning.

Detailed Breakdown of the Safe Sleep Seven

No Smoke, Sober Mom

Co-sleeping is safest when parents do not smoke or consume alcohol before bed. Research shows increased infant mortality linked to parental smoking and substance use, making this a critical safety factor.

Baby at Your Breast

This encourages direct breastfeeding without propping baby on pillows, which supports natural protective behaviors like the "cuddle curl," where breastfeeding parents instinctively shield their baby to prevent accidental rolling.

Healthy Baby on His Back

Placing your baby on their back for sleep is the gold standard to reduce SIDS risk, whether co-sleeping or in a separate crib.

Keep Him Lightly Dressed

Overheating increases SIDS risk. Dress your baby in just one layer more than you would wear comfortably to avoid excessive warmth.

Not Too Soft a Bed

Use a firm mattress covered with a fitted sheet. Avoid soft surfaces or surrounding the baby with pillows and blankets that may cause suffocation.

Watch the Cords and Gaps

Keep the sleep area free from cords and ensure no gaps exist where your baby could become trapped or entangled.

Keep the Covers Off His Head

Never let bedding cover your baby’s face or head to prevent suffocation hazards.

Final Thoughts

While the AAP continues to recommend room-sharing without bed sharing, the Safe Sleep Seven offers practical, research-supported strategies for parents who choose to co-sleep, especially those breastfeeding. As more studies emerge, these guidelines help balance the benefits of bonding and breastfeeding with the paramount importance of infant safety.

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