Room sharing reduces the risk of sudden infant death and sleeping accidents during daytime and nighttime sleep.
How long should baby room share?
Sleep baby in their own safe sleep space in the same room as their parent or caregiver for at least the first 6 months.
Sharing a bedroom reduces the risk to baby of sudden and unexpected death in infancy. However, sleeping a baby in a safe sleep environment is more important than sharing a room.
The room where the baby sleeps should be kept free of smoke.
Checking on baby while room sharing
Parents are not expected to watch their baby constantly. Check on baby regularly to make sure they stay on their back and their head and face are not covered.
If you know baby can roll themselves onto their side or front, still settle them on their back to sleep, then let them find the sleep position they feel most comfortable in.
Using a bassinet when room sharing
A bassinet takes up less room than a cot in the parent bedroom. However, baby can grow out of a bassinet as early as a couple of months old.
Stop using a bassinet once baby:
- can roll over
- can pull themselves up the side of the bassinet, or
- is over three months of age.
If you are using a bassinet, make sure it has:
- a firm, flat mattress
- sides that permit airflow
- a stable base that is not tilted.
Learn more about bassinets and safe sleep, what makes a safe bassinet and what makes a safe cot for when baby moves out of the bassinet. You can also read Product Safety Australia’s information on infant sleep products.
Room sharing: frequently asked questions
How long should my baby room share with me?
Sleep baby in their own safe sleep space in the same room as their parent or caregiver for at least the first 6 months. Room sharing reduces the risk of sudden infant death and sleeping accidents during day-time and night-time sleeps.
Does room sharing apply to day sleeps too?
Yes. Room sharing reduces the risk during day-time and night-time sleeps. Our safe sleep recommendations apply to every sleep, night and day, for all babies from birth to 1 year. See the six safe sleep recommendations.
Do I need to watch my baby the whole time they sleep?
No. Parents are not expected to watch their baby constantly. Check on baby regularly to make sure they stay on their back and their head and face are not covered.
Is room sharing more important than a safe sleep environment?
No. Sharing a bedroom reduces the risk of sudden and unexpected death in infancy, but sleeping baby in a safe sleep environment is more important than sharing a room. What is a safe sleeping environment?
When should my baby stop sleeping in a bassinet?
Stop using a bassinet once baby can roll over, can pull themselves up the side of the bassinet, or is over three months of age. Move baby into a safe cot as soon as they show signs of rolling. What is a safe cot?
Does Red Nose recommend co-sleeping?
No. There is evidence that co-sleeping may lead to unsafe sleeping practices. However, some families choose to co-sleep or find it happens accidentally. Find out how to co-sleep in a way to best reduce risk.
Who can I talk to about safe sleep?
Call our Safe Sleep Advice Line on 1300 998 698. We’re here to answer your questions between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (AEST).
We’re here to help.
Call our Safe Sleep Advice Line on 1300 998 698 for free, expert support and evidence-based guidance. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or carer, our Safe Sleep Educators can help you feel confident about your baby’s sleep safety.
Available during business hours.
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