Is it safe to sleep with your baby? Under most circumstances co-sleeping is likely to be very safe and beneficial; but it depends on how it is done. If the parent(s) smoke or take drugs, co-sleeping is risky. Sleeping with an infant on a waterbed, couches, soft bed or any bed that has gaps or ledges into which the infant can fall can be risky for the infant. It is more ideal to sleep on a hard firm mattress, and to limit your use of pillows and blankets.