Parents who Share a Bed with their Baby Dramatically Increase SID Risk

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death for babies 1-12 months old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinic in Kansas City, Mo., found that adults who share a bed with their child dramatically increases this risk.

For the study, researchers examined data on over 8,200 infants from 24 U.S. states compiled by the National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths Case Reporting System. All involved data was collected between 2004 and 2012.

Findings revealed that close to 69 percent of the infants from the sample who died were sharing a bed with an adult. Study results also showed that deaths of close to 73.8 percent of younger infants below the age of four mounts were due to bed-sharing.

Researchers said more attention regarding the risks of bed-sharing should be discussed among parents with infants three months or younger. According to Dr. Jeffrey Colvin of the university, parents should be warned about such sleeping areas for babies. If an infant rolls near a parent or objects where he or she is sleeping, the chances of suffocation dramatically increase.

"Although we always recommend that the infant's sleep area be clear of pillows, blankets, bumper pads, etc., many parents forget the importance of this message as the baby gets older," concluded lead study author Rachel Moon, M.D., a pediatrician and SIDS researcher at Children's National Health Hospital.

The study findings also reiterate the American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) guidelines that infants should sleep in the same room as parents but not the same bed. 

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Pediatrics.