The main reason some people oppose the concept of The Family Bed or co-sleeping, is because they fear it poses a danger to the baby. Research about this topic has been all over the board throughout the years. Protestors claim that co-sleeping puts a baby at a greater risk for suffocation or for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), while supporters say that sleeping with your child may actually reduce the occurrence of SIDS.
To get to the bottom of this issue, and to bring you the most informed information possible, I decided to go straight to The Academy of Pediatrics and The Center for Disease Control. Here’s what they had to say:
What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the death of an infant between the ages of one month and twelve months, with no explainable cause. In order to rule a death as SIDS, a thorough investigation must be conducted.
What Causes SIDS?
There is no definitive cause for SIDS. Over the years, doctors have found several risk factors that may contribute to the occurrence of SIDS.
Risk Factors:
*Side sleeping or sleeping on stomach
*Sleeping on soft surfaces such as waterbeds, sofas, or in beds where there are pillows, loose comforters, or stuffed animals.
*Overheating (from being dressed too warmly, wrapped too tightly, being placed in a room that is too warm)
*Babies born to mothers who smoke while pregnant or after delivery
*Premature or low birth weight babies
*Babies whose mothers did not receive prenatal care
Bed sharing is also listed as a risk factor for SIDS. However, it is important to note that there were specifics regarding this risk factor. The statement from The Centers for Disease Control stated:
1.”Sharing a bed with anyone other than the parents or caregivers and with people who smoke or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, increases an infant’s risk for SIDS. The safest place for an infant to sleep is in their own crib or other separate safe sleep surface next to the parent or caregiver’s bed.”
SIDS can occur at any time within a child’s first year of life, but it most commonly occurs between two and four months of age.
Look for Part 3 of The Family Bed coming up, where I’ll discuss the differences between SIDS and SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death).
In part 4 of our discussion, I’ll give you advice on how to make an informed decision that works best for your family. If you choose to co-sleep, I’ll help you to do it safely.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
For further reference:
http://www.cdc.gov/SIDS/index.htm
http://www.aap.org/ncepr/sids.htm