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As soon as you know there is a baby on the way, you and your family will begin to prepare yourselves for the changes ahead. Your cat will also need to be prepared for the new arrival, as there will be alterations to the home environment and routine once the baby comes into the house.

Prepare your cat for your baby's arrival early

As soon as you know there is a baby on the way, you and your family will begin to prepare yourselves for the changes ahead. Your cat will also need to be prepared for the new arrival, as there will be alterations to the home environment and routine once the baby comes into the house. With a little forward planning, you can get your pets used to the changes well in advance, so that your cat should hardly notice any difference when the baby actually arrives.

You should start to make preparations four months in advance of the birth - do not leave it until the baby has arrived. The whole family can enjoy the benefits that having a cat can bring by following the advice in this leaflet.

Before the baby is born

Handling your cat

All cats are different when it comes to handling - some are happy to be touched all over, whereas others may only enjoy being stroked on their head or shoulders. It's common for most cats to be sensitive around their stomach area and tail. If your cat doesn't like being touched in certain areas, you will have to be mindful of this when your baby becomes more mobile, as babies can 'grab' in their enthusiasm to want to touch and stroke, which can easily upset your cat.

Avoid playing games that involve your hands, however tempting! Even if your cat is gentle when playing, it's always best to use toys instead, as you don't want your cat to favour fingers or hands, especially when your baby arrives.

Getting your cat used to baby sounds

To help prepare your cat for the sounds that babies make, play recordings of a baby crying, gurgling and screaming for short periods during the day. Initially the sound should be barely audible, increasing the volume gradually as your cat grows accustomed to the noises. It's important that your cat feels calm and relaxed with the sounds before you increase the volume, so remember to take this slowly.

Getting your cat used to baby smells and objects

A cat's primary sense is smell, so new products and objects bought into the house can be a particularly challenging and threatening time for them. Get your cat used to baby powder, soaps, shampoos and baby milk by using them in the months leading up to your baby's arrival. It is also a good idea to put some of the new products on your own skin (eg powder, baby lotion) - this way the new smells can mingle with a familiar 'safe' smell, which is likely to be less of a concern for your cat. Playpens, cots, pushchairs, highchairs and changing mats should be in place before the baby arrives.

To make the new objects smell more familiar (and therefore less threatening) wipe a soft cloth over your cat's head and then using the same area of the cloth, wipe the new baby items. You may wish to install a Feliway diffuser (available from your vet), which is a synthetic version of the facial pheromones produced by the glands on your cat's face -this can help your cat feel more secure during this potentially stressful time.

Feed your cat where a baby can't reach

When your baby begins to toddle and explore, cat food may prove an irresistible attraction so accustom your cat to eating in an area, preferably off the ground, where your child won't be able to reach.

You are likely to have lots of visitors when your new baby arrives, including family, friends and health visitors. Some sociable cats may enjoy the extra attention that they get from visitors, whereas others may become overwhelmed if it is something they are not used to.

Cats should always have a quiet, safe place to go to whenever they need to rest or retreat from visitors. This will be especially important to them once the baby arrives and eventually begins to toddle about. Cats prefer high, dark, secluded places that have a good view of the household activities. A tall scratching post with extra tiers or a high shelf is ideal for this, as your cat will be able to get used to what's going on at a safe distance. Encourage your cat to use these areas by placing a few tasty treats and bedding on them. If your cat is on the nervous side, it's a good idea to ask your visitors to ignore your cat when they are in their "safe" place.

Separate baby and cat toys

Cat toys and baby toys are often made of similar materials. Some toys even make the same kind of noise, such as a squeak or rattle. It's not surprising then that babies will pick up and chew the cat's toys. Tidy them away, but remember to bring them out and play with your cat throughout the day.

Resting and sleeping places

You should decide if you will need to change where your cat currently rests and sleeps. For example, the spare room where your cat usually has free access may become the nursery. Gradually encourage your cat to sleep in other areas and then keep the nursery door closed. Make this and other changes well in advance so your cat,does not associate the change with the arrival of the baby.

Make sure that your cat is in good physical health. Your cat should also be free from fleas and worms. Any suspicions about illness or developing ailments should be checked out by a qualified vet. Any pain or irritation that a cat is feeling will lower their tolerance to the changes that are about to happen, which may lead to spraying or aggression.

How will your pet react to your new baby?

If your pet has already experienced the arrival of a new baby, and has coped well, you should not have too many problems. However, if this is the first time your pet will be living with a new baby, ask yourself the following questions. Once the baby comes, will you want to exclude your cat from certain areas of the house? Does your pet have any behavioural problems? If so, they may get worse once a baby has arrived. You should contact your vet for a referral to a pet behaviour counsellor if you need help.

If you are happy with your cat's behaviour, then you can proceed with the general advice given in this leaflet.

After the baby is born

Introducing your cat to your baby

The baby should be introduced in a quiet room where the cat has few associations - not a place where the cat usually sleeps or eats. Hold the baby in your arms and allow your cat to sniff them. Reward your cat's calm behaviour with gentle praise and tasty titbits. The cat will appear interested for a few seconds and will then lose interest. If your cat prefers to run away from the baby, that's fine. Forcing your cat to interact with the baby could be very stressful. Allow your cat to escape and investigate in their own time. Carry on with the normal daily duties and routine and your cat should readily accept the new arrival.

Hygiene, cats and babies

Due to hygiene concerns, people who do not have pets of their own may try and encourage you to rehome your cat. It's essential that your cat is treated for worms and fleas regularly, using products from your vet.

Don't leave dirty nappies on the floor, as they can cause the cat to wet or mess on that spot. Use antibacterial soap to clean your hands after feeding, grooming or playing with your cat and always wear rubber gloves, which are washed afterwards, to clean your cat's litter tray.

Supervise your baby around your cat

Don't put your baby on the floor with the cat and never leave your cat unsupervised with a baby. This includes all cats, even those with an excellent temperament. Using a screen door for the baby's nursery allows you to keep the door shut, but still see and hear the baby. You might also want to think about using a cot and pram net to prevent your cat from investigating the sleeping baby.

Toddlers and cats

Your baby will soon start crawling and toddling and it's important to remain vigilant once they begin to move about. It's especially important to make sure that your cat has a safe place to rest and relax, which is inaccessible to the toddler. This will avoid the situation where the cat is continually followed, cornered and pestered by the infant. Finally, remember to place your cat's litter tray in a quiet area away from areas your infant has access to.

Additional information

Blue Cross also produces a range of leaflets, which offer guidance about a whole range of animals and issues. Ones that you may find of particular interest are:

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As soon as you know there is a baby on the way, you and your family will begin to prepare yourselves for the changes ahead. Your cat will also need to be prepared for the new arrival, as there will be alterations to the home environment and routine once the baby comes into the house.

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Help and advice on dog training, behaviour, care and our Dog School from our experts.

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It is important to make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature - not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. A room temperature of 16-20°C - with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag- is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.

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Caring for Your Baby: Top Tips for New Parents

A newborn baby is an exciting addition to any household, but it's also a very demanding one. When you first bring your child home, it's going to take a little while for you to get used to the new responsibilities that you need to take on.

The good news is that you will find a routine that works for both you and your child. You just need to give yourself some crucial time and patience. In the meantime, here are some top tips to get you started on the right track.

Your Baby and Sleep

Sleep is one of the things that you're going to miss out on a lot when you have a child. It's worth it, but it's going to take some time for you to learn how to cope with this new routine. The important thing to remember here is that your baby has no concept of day and night yet, so there's no point in expecting them to stay asleep when you're sleeping.

Some newborns will sleep more than others, and many sleep for up to 20 hours out of 24. However, there are also babies that have exceptionally long periods of wakefulness. The idea of sleeping when your child sleeps is a good one for new parents.

Managing Safety

Another important thing to think about when you're looking after a new baby, is safety. Although SIDS and other problems are rare, you will be worried about these concepts most of the time. To help protect your baby, make sure that you:

Make sure you put your baby to sleep with their feet at the bottom of the crib, facing up.

Don't let your child get too hot. Use thick curtains or blinds to block out the sunlight, and keep the blankets tucked under their shoulders to avoid overheating.

Use a firm mattress with absolutely no pillows or duvets that your child could get wrapped up in.

Don't share a bed with your baby if you're very tired, or you're worried that you might sleep too deeply to notice when your child is crying.

Never sleep with a child on a sofa or chair.

Nappy Changing

Finally, there are a lot of things you'll need to learn as a new parent, but nappy changing is one of the most important. Your baby's nappy needs changing whenever it's wet or soiled. When you undo the dirty nappy, hold it closed for a minute, as your child will be more likely to pee after feeling cold air on their skin. Use the clean area of the nappy to wipe away any soiling, then grab the wipes.

Remember to carefully clean the whole nappy area and prepare your child for a clean nappy by using any creams that might be necessary to avoid rashes. Remember, your baby will often get through at least six to eight nappies every day during the early weeks, so be prepared to do a lot of changing!

Top Tips on Getting your Baby Ready for Travel

Are you about to go on your first adventure with a baby? Whether it's a trip to a nearby town or a long journey, you need to make sure that you're properly prepared. The good news is that most of the time, babies make for great travel companions. They don't have as many complaints as older children, and they're less likely to move around compared to toddlers.

The only downside is that you need to figure out what to pack and make sure that you're properly prepared in advance. Fortunately, we've got some top tips to help with that.

1. Get a Baby Carrier

The first thing you're going to need to handle travel is a comfortable baby carrier. Your child isn't going to want to be in their pram all the time, or pushchair, and there are going to be times when you need to soothe your baby during travel. Having a carrier that feels comfortable and sturdy at the same time will ensure that you can walk around with your baby while keeping your hands free.

2. Invest in a Reliable Travel System

A travel system is otherwise known as a pram with a car seat built-in. You can convert the seat part of your baby's pram into a car seat in a moment's notice, and make sure that you don't have to wake your child up to move them from one environment to another. Although these items can get a little expensive at times, it's best to pick something that's going to stand the test of time and hold up well in any situation.

3. Get Nursing Right

Nursing can be a nightmare during travel because you're not in a comfortable place. Rather than relaxing at home on your rocking chair, you're sat in an awkward seat, and it feels like all eyes are on you. Having a good blanket handy for modesty purposes is often helpful, and it's good to have a nursing bra ready too. Another thing to keep in mind is a portable nursing pillow that will keep both you and your baby cosy as your child eats.

4. Invest in the Right Travel Bag

You're going to need a travel bag for multiple parts of looking after your baby, so make sure that you invest in the right one. Stick with something that has plenty of pockets and is made of a material that's easy to clean too. A wipe-able surface will really come in handy. If you can find a bag that you also think looks stylish, that's a bonus.

5. Get Portable Bottles

Finally, if you're feeding with formula, consider looking for some reliable ways to reduce the amount of space that your bottles might be taking up in your bag. These days, you can get travel-ready bottles that fold down or collapse when you're not using them. This is excellent if you don't have a lot of extra space to work with when you're on the move.

Feeding your Baby: Tips for New Parents

One of the most important things you'll learn to do as a new parent, is how to feed your baby. Whether you choose to nurse with the help of a breast pump, or you prefer to stick to bottles and formula, feeding is a chance to bond with your new child, and make sure that they grow to be big and strong in the months and years to come.

As exciting as the feeding experience can be, it's also a complicated process for beginners. You'll need to learn how to feed your child at the right time, and what kind of products you need to use. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Always Have a Feed Ready

Most newborns will need anywhere up to 12 feedings a day, so make sure that you have plenty of spare bottles available, as well as lots of formula and clean nipples for your bottles too. Look for any indicators of readiness to feed when your child is getting fussy, like moving fingers to mouth, or sucking on a hand or fist.

The quicker you get to feeding your child, the less likely it is that you'll need to deal with a frantic baby. Additionally, when your baby stops suckling, bare and mind that they may be full, or just taking a break. Consider burping before you put the bottle away.

2. Expect Changes in Eating Patterns

Your newborn will need plenty of consistency in their feeding schedule, but they might not want to eat at the same time every day. During periods of growth, you might find that your baby starts to take more at each feeding, or they might want to be fed little and often. Responding to early signs of hunger is a good way to avoid tantrums.

Remember, it's a good idea to look at each feeding time as a new opportunity to bond with your baby. Hold your newborn close and look at them in the eyes. Speak gently to your child and make sure that they get to know you in a comforting way. A comforting blanket and a pillow for you to relax on while you nurse will help to make this whole process more cosy.

3. Trust your Instincts

Your doctor or nurse will be able to give you some advice on your child and what to expect during the early stages of feeding. However, it will be up to you to make a lot of decisions on your own. You'll need to think about what kind of formula your child responds best to, and you'll also be responsible for keeping an eye on things like steady weight gain and the presence of many wet nappies.

If anything doesn't feel right with the feeding experience at any point, then the best thing you can do is contact a doctor and ask for their advice. Don't be nervous about being the overly worried mother or father who contacts the nurse too often. You're going to need to ask for help and guidance at times, and that's totally expected.

Sleeping Soundly: How to Pick the Best Baby Bedding

As a new parent, there's no doubt that the biggest concern for you will be making sure that you can keep your baby safe and sound through every hour of the day and night. Unfortunately, there will be a time when both you and your little one will need to fall asleep. The best way to give yourself some peace of mind when your baby goes to dreamland, is to make sure that you choose the right bedding.

Baby bedding and sleeping products come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from cots and baby mattresses, to sleeping bags. Here are a few points to consider.

Choosing a Cot or Moses Basket

The first bed your baby will have is usually a Moses basket - a lightweight and portable place made of breathable materials like wicker. You can combine the basket with a stand that allows you to keep your baby at eye-level. These products are great for use until your baby can start to pull itself up and look around.

A cot is a less portable option than a Moses basket, but it's something that you'll be able to use for a lot longer. Cots come in a variety of shapes and sizes and should always come with protective rails to prevent your child from falling from the sides. Most of the time, you'll need to invest in both a cot and a Moses basket, so you ensure that your child has the right bedding at every stage of its life.

Mattresses and Bed Sheets

As well as a foundation for your child's bed in the form of a cot or a Moses basket, you'll also need a high-quality mattress. Your baby can't have a big bulky duvet or pillows, so a mattress is the thing that will make their cot feel as snuggly as possible. Ideally, you want a mattress that fits perfectly into your cot or basket, with no gaps around the edges.

The safest mattresses are firm and flat, with waterproof material that's easy to clean. If you can get a product that's hypoallergenic, that's great too. When it comes to blankets, remember to stay away from anything that's thick or bulky. Fitted bedsheets are a good option because they wont detach from the bed. If you need to keep your baby warm, opt for a light sheet, or a sleeping bag.

Other Points to Remember When Putting Baby to Bed

We all know how wonderful a warm and cosy bed can feel, but it's important to be cautious when getting your baby ready for sleep. Don't allow your child to overheat, particularly if they're a newborn. Having a reliable thermometer in the bedroom can be helpful for this. It's also worth investing in some thick curtains or blinds to keep excess sun out.

Additionally, while your decorating your baby's bedroom, avoid placing any toys or cuddly items into the Moses basket or cot, as this can increase the temperature, and give your child more choking hazards to latch onto when they're sleeping.

Changing Time: Essentials for your Nappy Station

During the first few months of their lives, babies are perpetually peeing and pooping, which means that parents quickly learn that they need to have nappies on-hand at all times. If you want to make sure that changing time is as comfortable and convenient as possible, it's a good idea to have a dedicated changing station in your house, as well as a few essentials to take with you on the move.

Unfortunately, new parents can often struggle with figuring out what they actually need for a reliable nappy station. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help!

The Essentials for your Changing Station

A changing station at home often starts with one essential thing: a changing mat. This can be a portable mat that you can use around the house or take with you on adventures. It could also combine with a changing table to provide an extra comfy place to change your baby when you're not venturing into the great outdoors.

Whether you choose something stationary or portable, make sure that your nappy station is equipped with all the essentials, starting with nappies and wipes. Having a bin or nappy disposal centre nearby that you can ditch the dirty diapers in will be crucial to prevent you from running up and downstairs.

Other essential items to keep on-hand include creams and ointments to soothe your baby's skin. Stocking up on nappy cream will help you to fight back against rashes. It may help to have some pacifiers on-hand too just in case your child has a sore bottom and needs some help staying calm.

You can also think about having hand sanitizer, changing pad covers, and even spare body-suits in an area that's close by, so you're ready to get your baby changed in a matter of minutes - no matter the circumstances. You may also keep a first-aid kit nearby, as a changing station is a great place to deal with things like taking temperature, giving medicine, and nail clipping too!

Taking Changing Outside

When you're heading outside with your baby, you don't really need all the bonus products like changing pad covers and five different kinds of lotion. Think simple, lightweight, and easy. That often means sticking with a changing pad that's going to be comfortable and clean for your little one, wherever you need to find space for a change.

Make sure that your nappy bag is loaded up with wipes and extra nappies too, as well as a bonus onesie, just incase you have any leakage issues that mean that your child needs a change of clothes. Having at least one reliable all-purpose nappy cream on hand is usually helpful. Remember that you should usually be able to get your child home pretty quickly if there are any significant issues that you don't have the right tools for.

Hand sanitizer will also come in handy again in your portable kit, as when you're changing a nappy, there may not always be the best washing facilities nearby. Having some alcohol rub on hand will help to keep you from spreading too many germs while you hunt for a sink.

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GoReal - Shop for Nursery Furniture, Baby Car Seats, Pushchairs and More!

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Shop Online for Child Car SeatsGoReal offers a wide range of car seats suitable for babies right through to juniors.Shop Car SeatsBuy Pushchairs, Buggies and Strollers OnlineWe have a wide collection of buggies, strollers and pushchairs available from the UK's best brands!Shop PushchairsCots, Beds and Nursery FurnitureGoReal offers a wide range of nursery furniture from [...]

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How to buy the best reusable nappies - Which?

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Reusable nappies - Which? weighs up the pros and cons of reusables, helping you decide whether washable nappies are the best option for your baby.

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Do I need to buy a car seat for my newborn?

You will need to have a car seat ready before your baby is born, whether or not you own a car. If you are having your baby in hospital, she'll need to be placed securely in a car seat on the journey home.

Be cautious about borrowing a car seat, and avoid buying one that's second-hand. You need to be absolutely certain that the seat has never been in a crash, and that there is no wear and tear. You'll also need the instruction manual, so you can understand how to fit and use the seat. Most experts advise that you buy new.

Choosing the correct car seat for your baby's age and weight is crucial. You must also make sure that it is properly installed.

If a car seat doesn't fit your car perfectly, or is difficult to fasten in place, don't buy it. Not every child seat fits every car, and some seats work better in some models of cars than others.

The seat should be held tightly by the seat belt, or the Isofix anchorage points and tethers, with very little sideways movement. Car seats should not move around more than an inch in any direction, though infant carriers will have a little give in them, even when correctly installed.

How do car seat sizes work?

Car seats are categorised by groups, or less often, stages. It's simpler and safer if you think in terms of choosing the right seat for your baby's weight:

However, a new standard known as 'i-Size' is being gradually introduced in the UK. Car seats using this standard are classified by height rather than weight. This will eventually replace the old weight-based classification, but not until at least 2018. If you buy one of these seats, your baby can use it until she reaches the height limit.

What should I know about infant carriers?

If you're using a weight-based car seat, your baby will need to stay rear-facing until she weighs at least 9kg. These are categorised as Group 0, up to 10kg (22lb), Group 0+, up to 13kg (29lb), or stage one car seats.

If you're using one of the new i-Size seats, your baby will need to stay rear-facing until she's at least 15 months old, whatever she weighs. Confusingly, both types of car seat are also known simply as infant carriers.

Most weight-based infant carriers are classified as Group 0+, which is a good option, because your baby travels facing the rear of the car for longer, giving her head and neck vital support. As long as the top of your baby's head is not above the top of the seat, she should stay facing backwards for as long as possible.

Carriers have handles that let you move your baby in and out of the car without waking her. This is ideal, as newborn babies sleep a lot. Carriers also usually come with little pillows (head huggers), which prevent your baby's head from wobbling about. You will need to use these for the first three months or so, until your baby can hold her head up on her own.

You can also buy Group 0 infant carriers and car seats that lie flat, and are designed to cushion and support small and premature babies. These seats are particularly good for long journeys, as they keep small babies in the healthiest position for their spine and lungs.

Try not to leave your baby in a bucket-shaped carrier without a break for longer than 90 minutes at a time, if possible, and certainly no longer than two hours.

Infant carrier pros

You can carry your baby in and out of the car without disturbing her too much. However, always take the time to make sure that the carrier is properly fitted when you put it back into the car.

If your car seat is part of a travel system, you can fit it straight on to a pushchair or pram.

Infant carrier cons

As your baby gets heavier, carrying her in and out of the car in the seat will be more difficult. You may need to leave the seat fitted in the car.

Don't let your baby sleep in her car seat for long periods of time, as this can cause problems with spinal development.

Your baby will probably outgrow her first car seat by the time she is between 15 months and 19 months, when you will need to buy a Group 1 seat. However, be guided by your baby's size, rather than her age.

Group 1 extended rear-facing car seats are an increasingly popular option. They allow you to keep your child rear-facing once she has outgrown her Group 0+ seat. But as with any car seat, installing it correctly is vital. See our article for more information on the best time to move your baby out of an infant carrier.
What are combination car seats?

These can be used in both directions. They start facing backwards, classified as Group 0+, up to about 15 months, and then convert to a forward-facing Group 1 seat, up to 18kg (40lb).

However, it's best if children travel in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, ideally until four years of age. See our article on buying a Group 1 seat to find out why.

Group 1 seats are heavier than infant carriers and have no handles, so they stay in the car. If you're buying a combination car seat, make sure that it fits properly in both directions. If you're planning to have another baby, you may prefer to buy two seats, so that your next baby can use the newborn seat, and your toddler can use a Group 1 car seat.

Check the manufacturer's advice about when to replace a seat, because some can suffer from wear and tear over time.

Safety tip: Rear-facing car seats should never be used in a front seat if there is an active airbag in the car.

If you're at all unsure about choosing or fitting a child car seat, contact your local council's road safety team and ask to have your car seat checked. Many car dealerships and retailers offer free checks.

Last reviewed: February 2014

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Buying a first car seat for your newborn baby

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You will need to have a car seat ready before your baby is born, whether or not you own a car. If you are having your baby in hospital, she'll need to be placed securely in a car seat on the journey home. Be cautious about borrowing a car seat, and avoid buying one that's second-hand.

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Midwife Chantelle Winstanley shows how to bathe your baby properly.

Chantelle: My suggestion of how often you should bath your baby is two to three times a week, that's our recommendation. However if you want to bath your baby every day that's absolutely fine if it does establish a routine and you like it and baby likes it.

So to prepare to bath your baby, you need to fill the bath up, just with cold water first and then add the hot water. We recommend about eight centimetres to 10 centimetres and then, to check it's the correct temperature you use your elbow. Dip your elbow into the bath water and it should just feel the same as your body temperature.

So to top and tail your baby before we put your baby into the bath we need to strip your baby off down to the nappy, and then we wrap your baby in a towel.

Using the water that you've already run for the bath, we will clean your baby's face with cotton wool. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye to avoid infection and the same goes for your baby's ears. Make sure that you clean underneath your baby's chin, and then we'll move on to the bottom.

We'll use clean cotton wool. Dip it in the water, wipe your baby's bottom, wipe the excess away, make sure that you've cleaned in between the folds, and that your baby's bottom is nice and dry before you put your baby into the bath.

We need to make sure that your baby is secure, so you put one hand underneath your baby's shoulders and neck and the other hand supporting your baby's bottom. Once your baby is secure you can put your baby in the bath water, talking to your baby all the time.

So once bathtime is over bring your baby out of the water, be careful because babies can be very, very slippery when they're leaving the bath. Make sure you put your baby straight onto the towel and then it's really important that you dry your baby properly, all the nooks and crannies, clean nappy, clean clothes and lots of cuddles.

When you're feeling more confident with baby bathing, then you can put your baby into the main bath but never, ever leave a baby alone in the water.

Last reviewed: November 2015

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Midwife Chantelle Winstanley shows how to bathe your baby properly. Chantelle: My suggestion of how often you should bath your baby is two to three times a week, that's our recommendation. However if you want to bath your baby every day that's absolutely fine if it does establish a routine and you like it and baby likes it.

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How to Hip-Healthy Swaddle your Baby - IHDI

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To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. Wherever you're planning for your baby to sleep we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how.

When not to co-sleep

Whether you choose to co-sleep or it is unplanned, there are some key risks you should avoid.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if:
In these scenarios, it is always best to put baby in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can't breathe.
Co-sleeping more safely

Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of babies who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.

Follow all The Lullaby Trust's other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not bring other children or pets into bed with you.

Try to make sure or check that baby cannot be trapped, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall

Never leave your baby unattended in an adult bed

For more info on co-sleeping and safer sleep read our guide for parents
If you are bedsharing with your baby you should consider any risks before every sleep. It is easy for your situation to change if you are unwell or have drunk any alcohol, which means your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket on that occasion.

Co-sleeping with your baby: FAQs

I am worried I might fall asleep while I breastfeed my baby at night, is this ok?

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Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS. If you feel you might fall asleep we would recommend you prepare the bed as described above so it is safer for baby if this happens.

Make sure you know the advice on when never to co-sleep so you know when to take particular care. It is really important that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you might fall asleep on a sofa or armchair, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep.

Should I co-sleep with my baby?

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The safest place for a baby is their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. We would just advise you to read all the information on co-sleeping and how to reduce the risks, so you can make an informed decision for you and your baby.

However, there are some circumstances where we would strongly recommend against co-sleeping such as on a sofa or armchair, if anyone in the bed smokes or has drunk alcohol or your baby was premature or a low birth weight.

Can I co-sleep with twins or multiples?

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If you choose to bedshare with twins or multiples we would advise not to bedshare with more than one baby at a time due to risk of accidents associated with bedsharing with more than one baby or child.

Is it safer to co-sleep using a nest or pod than with a baby just lying on the adult bed?

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No. We do not recommend that babies sleep on soft surfaces such as pods or nests. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby the safest place is a clear space on a firm flat mattress the same as we would advise with a cot.

Why do you advise against co-sleeping in certain scenarios?

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It is estimated that around half of SIDS deaths occur whilst co-sleeping, and that most of these are in high risk situations. We do not know the cause of SIDS and why these deaths happen but we do know what some of the risk factors are and that removing those risks greatly lowers the chance of SIDS occurring.

For that reason we strongly advise against co-sleeping when there are risk factors such as a baby being premature or a parent having drunk alcohol.

What bedding should I use for my baby when we co-sleep?
The Lullaby Trust has worked with Public Heath England, Unicef UK Baby Friendly and Basis on two publications to support families with safer sleep advice and advice on co-sleeping more safely. We have also collaborated on a guide for health professionals to have more open and productive discussions with families about safer sleep and co-sleeping. These can be downloaded below.

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Adult bedding should be kept well away from your baby along with any belts or cords from clothing. Keep adult bedding at your waist height and add an extra layer of clothing if you are cold

A baby sleeping bag is a good way of giving your baby their own bedding when bedsharing.

Baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, so the baby can't wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby's weight, rather than age.

You might also be interested in reading the two Unicef Baby Friendly publications, which are both endorsed by The Lullaby Trust:

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Some parents choose to share a bed (known as co-sleeping) with their babies. Read our advice on how to co-sleep more safely.