I got asked recently:
“I’m really confused about the Safe Sleep 7. In the middle of winter, am I supposed to bedshare without a blanket?”
I get it. Winter bedsharing can feel like an impossible puzzle. You want to be cozy and warm, but you also want to keep your baby safe. And if you love curling up with a blanket pulled to your chin, the thought of giving that up might feel miserable.
Here is the good news: You do not have to suffer through the cold. You just need to get a little creative about how you keep yourself warm while following safe bedsharing guidelines.
Light blanket only, and keep it low
Heavy comforters and thick quilts are more likely to move around and cover a baby’s face. A light, thin blanket is much better. The most important thing is that it stays away from your baby’s face at all times. Many parents use the blanket-below-the-waist method, where the top edge of the blanket is around their waist, and the baby is lying on top of the blanket while they are under it. The baby’s body weight keeps it in place. Some people also tuck the blanket under their legs or keep it only on their side of the bed.
Layer your clothing
Since you cannot safely pull the blanket up over your shoulders, your warmth has to come from what you are wearing.
Here are some practical ideas:
- A nursing tank under a cozy sweatshirt you can lift for feeds (some people even cut the sweatshirt to make it a crop top for easier nursing access)
- A long sleeve button-up you can unbutton easily
- Wool long johns or leggings under pajama pants
- Warm socks or even fleece-lined socks
Keep your head and hands warm
Heat escapes through your head and extremities, so keeping them warm makes a big difference. A snug, soft beanie can help you hold in heat (this one has a hole for your hair- this way you can tie your hair back to reduce risk of strangulation AND stay warm. 2 birds, one stone). Thumb-hole tops or fingerless gloves can keep your hands and wrists warm without getting in the way of caring for your baby.
Try a wearable blanket for you
If you really want extra warmth without using a heavy blanket, try a wearable blanket (this one has a zipper front for nursing access). Just make sure it fits in a way that it cannot ride up over your baby’s face.
Use safe, smart warmth boosters
If your room tends to be very cold, you can warm it up before bed and then lower the heat slightly once you are asleep. Some parents like to place a hot water bottle or heating pad in their bed for a few minutes before bedtime to warm the sheets, then remove it before getting in.
Keep baby warm without loose blankets
Babies should not sleep with loose blankets, so a sleep sack or wearable blanket is the best choice. Dress them in breathable layers underneath and choose a sleep sack that is the right thickness for the room temperature. A good rule is one more layer than you are wearing.
Bedsharing in winter does not have to mean shivering through the night. With thoughtful layering, creative clothing choices, and safe blanket positioning, you can stay warm and cozy while keeping your baby safe right next to you. Here are some of my favorite bedsharing tools. Need more information about how to bedshare safely? Check out this blog post.
