Let’s talk about co-sleeping, is it dangerous or are parents greatly misinformed?

Sprouting Sleep aims to inform parents about the facts surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and address the stigma associated with bed-sharing. It’s essential for parents to have accurate information to make informed decisions about safe sleep practices for their infants.

 

SIDS is a devastating and often misunderstood phenomenon that claims the lives of too many babies each year. While the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, research has identified risk factors and strategies to reduce the likelihood of SIDS occurrence.

 

One common misconception surrounding SIDS is the association with bed-sharing or otherwise referred to as ‘co-sleeping’ practices. While some studies have linked bed-sharing with an increased risk of SIDS, it’s crucial to understand the nuances and context of these findings.

 

A report from the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) on SUDI (Sudden and Unexpected Deaths in Childhood) highlighted the effects of accidental co-sleeping and the outcomes of these circumstances. The results showed from April 2019 – March 2021 98% of babies tragically passed away whilst assumed to be sleeping and therefore classified as SIDS cases, this was both in solitary crib sleep and whilst bed-sharing. From these cases 52% of these babies were bed-sharing with an adult or older sibling, and from those deaths 60% of these arrangements were unplanned and at least 92% were in hazardous circumstances – which included sleeping on sofas, bed-sharing with a premature or SGA (Small for Gestational Age) baby.

 

These results very evidently show that bed-sharing happens, whether planned or unplanned, and of the SIDS cases that came from bed-sharing over half of these outcomes were under unplanned conditions. A whopping 92% of these cases were also found to be hazardous. This research also highlights that of those SIDS deaths 46% of babies died during solitary sleep! 

 

Bed-sharing itself is not inherently dangerous, but certain conditions and practices can increase the risk of SIDS. For example, bed-sharing with an adult who smokes, consumes alcohol or drugs, or is excessively tired can pose risks to the infant’s safety. Additionally, unsafe sleep environments, such as soft bedding, pillows, and loose blankets, can increase the risk of suffocation, asphyxiation or overheating. However, when practiced safely and under the right conditions, bed-sharing can offer benefits such as facilitating breastfeeding, promoting parent-infant bonding, and enhancing overall sleep quality for both parent and baby.

 

 

Due to these unfortunate and devastating outcomes – it highlights the necessity to educate parent’s on how to prepare the space safely and discuss the risk factors that place babies at higher risk. An abstinence only approach presents higher chance of fatality when parent’s accidentally fall asleep with their babies whilst trying to avoid bed-sharing at all costs.

It’s essential for parents to make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances and preferences while prioritising safety.

 

 

So, how do you bed-share safely? There are certain requirements that are needed to ensure your set up is safe: You may have heard of the Safe Sleep 7, this includes:

 

1. Breastfeeding mother
2. Non-smoking household
3. Sober parents
4. Healthy, full term baby (not small for gestation or preterm)
5. Place baby on their back (not safe to tummy sleep while bed-sharing)
6. Dress baby lightly – not swaddled or restricted
7. Firm mattress, no pillows, loose bedding or toys

 

In what circumstances is bed-sharing unsafe? Well pretty much all scenarios that are opposing to the points above. If you qualify for any of the following it is safest for your baby to be in their own sleep space. If this is not feasible as your baby is requiring resettling overnight or you feel incapable to provide care during these times, it is important to reach out for help.

 

• Using sedative or non-prescription medications
• Have been drinking alcohol
• Have been smoking (even when not in the bedroom)
• Your baby was born premature or small for gestational age
• Your baby is formula fed

 

 

Knowing these statistics and the risk it poses to families to be uninformed about safe co-sleeping set ups, it is imperative that this topic can be spoken about openly without shame and becomes common knowledge for all parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

 

 

References:

 

The Lullaby Trust. 9 in 10 parents co-sleep but less than half know how to reduce the risk of SIDS. Retrieved from https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/9-in-10-parents-co-sleep-but-less-than-half-know-how-to-reduce-the-risk-of-sids/?fbclid=IwAR3rG9eEFR0_kI-gXsNEzZM6xszQkJtyMvywwkdMQDfG3xkGaCrS4uBc5rM#:~:text=Of%20the%20SIDS%20deaths%20recorded,92%25%20were%20in%20hazardous%20circumstances

 

McKenna, J. Safe Sleep Seven: Guidelines for Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory, University of Notre Dame.