Here's the fact all parents need to know.

There's simply nothing better than cuddling up with your baby!

But recent press reports have linked "Co-sleeping" (that is, having baby in your bed to sleep) to the deaths of 665 babies in the past five years. That's a tragic figure of three deaths per week. Babies who share a bed can become suffocated or overheat if parents roll over on to them. And it can also lead to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

But is there a safe way of sleeping with your baby without putting them at risk? After all, the love you feel for your child is a basic part of your make-up. Whether you're a mum or a dad, an adoptive parent or a step-parent, you're primed to form strong bonds with your child. And your child is equally ready to connect with you. 

One of the newest ways of sleeping with baby is called 'side sleeping'. This is a cot which attaches to the side of you bed. One side is removed so the baby has its own space, yet it is close to you.

Even if you don’t plan to co-sleep with your baby regularly, you may feel there are times when it's easier to bring him into your bed to comfort or feed him. With that in mind, this new trend in side sleepers could be the obvious solution.

Benefits of side-sleeping

• It helps newborns to adjust sleep-waking times
• Makes it easier for mums to breastfeed
• It reassures parents and makes the child feel safe
• It strengthens the bond between child and parent, helping the child to grow more self-confident and sociable
• Sleeping in the same room, but not in the same bed (reducing the risk of SIDS)

Top picks

• JANE Babyside
• Chicco next to me
• BabyLo Cozi Sleeper
• Chicco next to me dream

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Other new trends

Other ways of staying close to baby, feeling the love and building the bond include the new trend for 'Baby wearing'.

Carry your baby in a sling or front carrier. Feeling your baby's warmth, smelling his sweet scent, and looking down often to make eye contact with him can help you bond.

Slings – Sometimes called wraps, are swatches of material designed to keep baby close to you in comfort. The majority of slings wrap around your body and shoulders, holding your baby towards you. There are outward-facing wrap options, for when your baby gets older. 

Baby carriers – Also suitable from birth, these handy carriers often offer more padding than a sling, yet still allow you freedom of movement. Ergonomically designed for maximum back support for you and your little one, they are a sturdier option than a sling. Several models also convert to a back-carrier to accommodate your growing baby. Check the specifications.

Top Picks

• Baby K'tan Cotton Carrier
• BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One
• Kangaroo baby carrier by Jané
• Jane Cocoon Baby Wrap Sling

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Pregnancy and Nursing Pillows

Comfort during pregnancy and feeding is essential to both mother and baby. Using a cushion during feeding helps bay feel secure and close to the mother.

Top Picks

• ClevaMama ClevaCushion 10-in-1
• Jane 4in1 Mother Cushion
• Chicco Boppy Pillow

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Sleep pods

Multifunctional and multitasking, sleeping pods offer a safe and comfy spot that lets baby sleep, rest, co-sleep, lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes. They are lightweight and portable, allowing for easy travel, from room to room, grandma’s house or on holiday. 

Top Picks

• Sleepyhead Deluxe+ Pod 
• ClevaMama ClevaSleep Pod
• PurFlo Newborn Breathable Nest

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Go for skin-to-skin

Holding your baby close, with your skin next to theirs, as soon as you can after the birth can really help with the bonding process. If you can manage to do this within 30 minutes in a calm and relaxed environment, then that’s the ideal. But on a busy ward it’s not always easy, and some mums can’t if they’ve had a Caesarean or their baby is in special care. So if you can’t, don’t panic. Ask your midwife or doctor to let you know when you can.

Chat and smile

No, they won’t understand you, but your baby will already know your voice, and research shows even newborn babies can recognise a smile. So right from the start, stroke their cheek, lean close towards them and smile (at this point they can only see about 30cms in front of them), chat and sing.