Parenting Tip: Where Should Your Baby Sleep?
- Gemma P. Moses
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 12
Congratulations! You made it through pregnancy, labor, and that first terrifying diaper change. Now, you're home with your tiny, adorable sleep thief, and suddenly you’re wondering: What’s the safest and most practical sleeping ?
Should they be snuggled up in a bassinet next to you for easy nighttime feeds? Or would they sleep better in their crib in the nursery? Maybe you’re even considering bed-sharing because... how could you possibly sleep away from anything this cute?
Let’s break down the safest and best options for newborn sleep
The Safest Place for Your Newborn to Sleep
Babies thrive in a safe sleep environment, which significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers. The latest guidelines emphasize:
Placing your baby on their back for all sleep times, even for naps.
Using a firm, flat surface such as a crib, bassinet, or play yard with no loose bedding.
Room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for at least the first six months.
Keeping the sleep space free from blankets, bumpers, pillows or stuffed animals.
Now, let’s look at the three main sleep setups parents consider.
Option 1: Bassinet in Your Room
Keeping your newborn within arm’s reach in a bassinet has clear perks. It makes nighttime feedings easier, reduces the number of steps you take at 3 AM, and offers peace of mind knowing they’re nearby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least six months because it lowers the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Bassinets are also small and portable, making them perfect for tiny newborns. However, they come with weight and age limits—usually around 4-6 months—so they won’t last forever.
Potential downsides? Some babies become too accustomed to sleeping near their parents, which can make the eventual crib transition tougher. And if you’re a light sleeper, hearing every tiny baby noise might make your own sleep suffer.
Option 2: Crib in the Nursery
Starting your baby in a crib from day one means they learn to sleep in their own space right away, making future transitions easier. Cribs are roomier and last longer than bassinets, so this setup works well for parents who want a long-term sleep solution.
One big plus? You might actually sleep better without hearing every newborn grunt and squirm. Some babies also sleep more soundly without the movement and noise of parents nearby.
But here’s the tradeoff: You’ll have to get up for every nighttime feed instead of just reaching over. If your nursery is far from your bedroom, a baby monitor is a must for peace of mind.
If you go this route, follow safe crib guidelines to keep the crib clear of suffocation hazards—no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
Option 3: Bed-Sharing (Co-Sleeping)
Exhausted parents often fall asleep with their baby in bed, whether they planned to or not. But despite how natural it feels, the risks are real. Leading pediatric organizations strongly discourage bed-sharing, as it increases the risk of suffocation and overheating.
What makes bed-sharing risky?
Soft mattresses, pillows, and blankets can block a baby’s airway.
Unintentional rolling can lead to suffocation.
Even in controlled conditions, studies show an increased risk of SIDS among bed-sharing infants.
If you accidentally fall asleep while nursing or soothing your baby, experts recommend placing them in a crib or bassinet as soon as you wake up. If you want closeness without the risks, a bedside sleeper (a bassinet that attaches to your bed) is a safer alternative.
So, Where Should Your Baby Sleep?
The safest and most practical option for most families is:
Room-sharing for at least six months, but in a separate sleep space.
A crib, bassinet, or play yard with no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
Always putting your baby to sleep on their back.
If you prefer a crib in the nursery, use a monitor and prepare for nighttime wake-ups. If you choose a bassinet in your room, plan for a crib transition in a few months.
Bottom line? There’s no single "right" answer—choose what works best for your family while keeping safety the priority.
Final Thoughts: One Night at a TimeFinal Thoughts: One Night at a Time
Newborn sleep is messy, unpredictable, and exhausting, but this stage won’t last forever. Whether your baby starts in a bassinet beside you or a crib across the hall, the key is ensuring they sleep safely and comfortably.
💬 What worked for your family? Bassinet, crib, or something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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