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A recent survey commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) reveals that co-sleeping is a common practice among parents in the U.S., with 46% stating that they sometimes, often, or always co-sleep with their child under the age of 18. The survey has sparked conversation around the safety and health implications of this habit, particularly for infants.
The AASM has emphasized the importance of safe sleep practices, especially for babies. They caution parents of infants to take critical steps in creating a secure sleep environment to reduce the risks of accidental suffocation or sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,000 infants tragically died from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed in 2022.
“Co-sleeping is unsafe for infants, and routinely co-sleeping can potentially detract from the development of healthy sleep habits in children of any age,” explained Dr. Rakesh Bhattacharjee, a sleep physician and AASM spokesperson. “Encouraging children to consistently sleep in their own sleep space may help them build healthy sleep patterns.”
For infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they sleep in their parents’ room, close to their bed but on a separate surface designed for infants, such as a crib or bassinet. This recommendation is ideally for at least the first six months, as it lowers the risk of SUID while still keeping the baby nearby for easy monitoring.
To promote safe sleeping environments for infants, the AASM advises parents to follow these guidelines:
- Place the infant on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface like a crib or bassinet that meets the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Keep extra sheets, soft blankets, stuffed toys, and crib bumpers out of the baby’s sleeping area to prevent any potential hazards.
- Ensure the sleeping environment is quiet, with no loud or continuous noise.
It is not uncommon for parents to co-sleep with a child occasionally when they are sick or scared. However, experts urge parents to consider whether habitual co-sleeping is impacting their child’s ability to develop consistent and healthy sleep routines.
“As parents, we should be helping our children develop habits and learn routines that establish good sleep hygiene, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of healthy sleep for a lifetime,” Dr. Bhattacharjee added.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s sleep can seek advice and assistance from the AASM’s accredited sleep centers, available through the organization’s sleep center directory.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about sleep practices and should not be construed as medical advice. Parents with specific concerns about their child’s health or sleep should consult a healthcare professional.
