Half of parents co-sleep with their child, new survey finds

A brand new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medication reveals that almost half of parents (46%) generally, usually or at all times co-sleep with their baby underneath 18. Whereas co-sleeping is widespread, consultants warn it could not at all times be the only option — particularly for infants.

Secure sleep for infants

Making a secure sleep atmosphere is important. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention reports that in 2022, over 1,000 infants died from unintended suffocation and strangulation in mattress.

“Co-sleeping is unsafe for infants, and routinely co-sleeping can doubtlessly detract from the event of wholesome sleep habits in kids of any age,” stated Dr. Rakesh Bhattacharjee, sleep doctor and AASM spokesperson. “Constantly sleeping in their very own sleep area could assist kids foster wholesome sleep patterns.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in the identical room as mother and father — however on a separate sleep floor designed for infants — for at the least the primary six months.

Suggestions for toddler sleep security

An AASM well being advisory supplies the following pointers to make sure a safe sleep environment for infants:

At all times place infants on their backs to sleep.
Use a agency, flat floor with a fitted sheet, similar to a crib, bassinet or playpen that meets U.S. Client Product Security Fee requirements.
Hold delicate objects like extra sheets, blankets, crib bumpers, stuffed animals and toys out of the toddler’s sleep space.
Preserve a quiet sleep atmosphere with no loud or steady noise.

Is co-sleeping proper for your loved ones?

Sometimes co-sleeping with a scared or sick baby is comprehensible, however often sharing a mattress can impression long-term sleep habits. Mother and father ought to contemplate whether or not co-sleeping is supporting their baby’s potential to develop unbiased and wholesome sleep routines.

“As mother and father, we needs to be serving to our youngsters develop habits and study routines that set up good sleep hygiene that can allow them to take pleasure in the advantages of wholesome sleep for a lifetime,” stated Dr. Bhattacharjee.

When you’ve got issues about your baby’s sleep, go to the AASM’s sleep center directory to get assist from the sleep workforce at an accredited sleep heart.