the risk of sids is lower when you co-sleep!!!!
it is actually safer to co- sleep than it is not to- think about SIDS rates in 3rd world countries where co-sleeping is a way of life compared to first world countries where babies sleeping in cots is the 'norm'
the main safety things are not to sleep alcohol or drug affected, not with heavy blankets and on their backs

Cherished it is not unsafe at all- you dont need any special protection to co-sleep at all- have a look at the research on the net if you are still not convinced! In fact the benefits for co-sleeping are far greater than the disadvantages for both mum and bubs!!!
horses for courses- if its your thing then do it!! But its definately safer than sleeping in a cot!!! The research out there backs this fact up!!!