Co-sleeping is just one of those topics. One of those topics that many people seem to have very strong opinions about, yet very little factual information to uphold those opinions. I used to have a strong opinion because I THOUGHT I had all the information. As I was approached about this topic by more and more parents, I wanted to be certain my advice was sound. Since the practice of bed sharing has risen in the United States from about 6% in 1993 to 24% in 2015, this is an issue that deserves some clarity. Here's a summary of what's out there.
The SIDS Discussion
Historically,
the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has endorsed sharing a room during sleep with a child under 12 months; however, sleeping on different surfaces is advised. In other words, parents sleep in their own bed while their child sleeps in the crib. The purpose of this recommendation was to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Recently,
new research indicates there is a slightly higher chance of being struck by lightning in your lifetime (1 in 13,000) than a low-risk infant dying of SIDS while co-sleeping with you in your bed (1 in 16,400). It is also important to note that the odds of a low-risk infant dying of SIDS while sleeping in their own bed (crib or bassinet) jump to 1 in 46,000. In 2016, The AAP made changes to their stance on the issue. If parents share that they are bed sharing with their infant, the pediatrician will guide families in their adjustment of the bed to decrease risk as much as possible.
Is that all?
Well, not really. There are always additional factors to consider. Think about your bed. Pillow-top mattress. Thick, fluffy pillows. Perhaps you went to a holiday party and had one too many drinks that night. Maybe you sleep regularly on a sofa. Is your sleep, your spouse's sleep, or your infant's sleep being negatively impacted due to this arrangement? Just some things to think about.
The Social-Emotional Discussion
Historically,
the western world has had strict opinions regarding separated sleep. The idea was that an infant's opportunity to sleep in his own bed was the first exposure to self-soothing and the first steps to developing a sense of independence. It was often said that as the child grows, evidence of an unhealthy attachment to his parents, decreased problem solving skills, and co-dependence would become unavoidable traits.
Recently,
studies have been showing evidence of quite the opposite. Children whom have had co-sleeping experiences demonstrate increased happiness, greater independence, and overall enhanced mental health. It is important to note that co-sleeping is only one component that contributes to these outcomes and at this time, we cannot say these are the direct effects of bed sharing.
Is that all?
Nope! Co-sleeping is a personal choice that you make. Consider all the facts as well as what works for your family. Don't let the potential feeling of stigma and the opinions of others cause you to alter your sleeping practices. Plenty more research is needed as there is not yet enough information to call either method "best practice."
NPR.org, "Is Sleeping With Your Baby As Dangerous As Doctors Say?" May 2018
cosleeping.nd.edu. James McKenna, University of Notre Dame