Many organizations continue to erroneously state that co-sleeping is dangerous and should be avoided without providing substantiating data. Until fairly recent changes, cribs also did not have the strict safety regulations they do now, thus resulting in a number of suffocations, strangulations and collapse. The idea of a child sleeping independently in a crib, in itself is a new idea gaining popularity only around 200 years ago. It may be more based on the influence on the marketing of crib manufacturers than founded in reasons of health and safety.
Statistics show that about 60 U.S. children die annually from co-sleeping. This number is very misleading as this number includes all deaths “in an adult bed.” In many of the circumstances children were unaccompanied by a parent, were laying in a bed with the same unsafe conditions cribs once had (extra padding, bumpers and pillows), or sleeping on a sofa. Other conditions included a parent that had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or smoking. These conditions affect safety regardless of sleep location.
There has been a significant decline in the overall rate of SIDS or "in crib death" with the numerous education programs teaching parents to put infants on their back for sleeping. However the deaths are still far greater than with co-sleeping.
The rates for SIDS are lowest in countries where co-sleeping is common practice. Rates of SIDS while co-sleeping are almost non-existent, and prove to be safer than crib sleeping or sleeping in a crib beside parents. Interestingly, SIDS Canada discourages co-sleeping, yet the study they reference does not find the same risks which they state are present.
Breastfeeding, which significantly lowers SIDS, is more successful with attachment parenting. Parents are more in tune with the infant, recognizing breathing fluctuations and problems as they may occur. Studies show a stronger emotional development in children with early strong parental attachment. It only makes sense that children want the same comfort of having someone close that we do as adults.
Instead of advising against co-sleeping, health professionals and Children's Aid Societies should be educating parents about how to increase the safety of this practice. This includes the use of in bed co-sleepers, avoiding use of too soft or fluffy bedding, ensuring a parent is present and the child is put on his back to sleep and following good overall parenting practices such as ensuring another caregiver is available if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescription or otherwise).
References:
Sidscanada.org
The Baby Bond by Linda F. Palmer, Copyright Sourcebooks September 2009
The Natural Child Project
