Q:I know it's best to let my 4 month old sleep in a cot,but he sleeps better in bed with me.Is this safe?

A:Research shows that nearly half of UK mums sleep in bed with their baby at some time.But the safest place for your little on is on his own cot.To reduce the risk of cot death,his cot should be in the same room as you for the first six months.The Department of Health advises against sharing a bed with your baby if you - or your partner - have been drinking alcohol,taking drugs or medicines that cause drowsiness,or if either of you smoke.You should also avoid co-sleeping if either of you are excessively tired,obese or suffer from a condition that could cause loss of consciousness,such as unstable epilepsy,or if you,or your baby,have a fever or signs of illness.Also,never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.Some parents compromise by keeping a cot beside their own bet with the side down,so their child has his own sleep area.