Room sharing is when a baby sleeps in the same room as a parent or carer but in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket.
The Lullaby Trust defines room sharing as "when a baby sleeps in the same room as their parent(s) or carer, but in their own separate sleeping space." This is distinct from co-sleeping or bed-sharing, in which the baby shares an adult's sleep surface. The recommended separate sleep space is a firm, flat-mattressed cot or Moses basket, clear of pillows, duvets, bumpers, and soft toys.
How long is room sharing recommended?
The Lullaby Trust advises that "babies should always be in the same room as you for the first six months for sleep, day and night." The NHS similarly recommends placing babies in a "separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep for at least the first 6 months."
Why does room sharing reduce SIDS risk?
The Lullaby Trust states that "the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is lower when you have your baby sleep in the same room as you, compared to having them sleep alone." After six months, SIDS risk falls, though safer sleep practices remain important up to 12 months.
The short, evidence-based list of what reduces SIDS risk — and what isn't on it, despite what Instagram tells you.
Read the articleDefinitions only get you so far. Let's talk about your baby.
A complimentary 15-minute discovery call. No commitment, no script — just tell me what's going on and I'll tell you whether I can help.