High Rates of Infant Bed Sharing Reported Irrespective Of the Potential Risks

Studies have indicated that bed sharing of babies and their parents or with other children increases the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This study conducted by JAMA pediatrics revealed that American infants are at greater risk compared to white infants. The number of black American infants sharing bed increased from 7% to 14 %, blacks had an increase from 21% to 39% while white infants increased from 5 % to 7 % during the years between 1993 and 2010. "The disparity in nighttime habits has increased in recent years," said lead author Eve while suggesting that infants should be allowed to sleep in the same room with their caretakers but not in the same bed. Some physicians have however, disputed the link between bed time complications and bed sharing. "Evidence linking bed sharing per se to the increased risk for infant death is lacking, “said Bergman. He suggested that sharing bed with infants allow parents have better sleep time and make their work easier when caring for the baby.