The truth is that there have been conflicting studies and that’s the cause for all the confusion. In some of the studies on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as unexpected death by asphyxiation) it’s been shown that the extra people in the bed, pillows, blankets and other items in your bed can put your child at extra risk.
Other studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, some have even shown that parents who sleep share with their children are more in tune with their breathing and more likely to react quicker if their child is in trouble.
However, there is proof that sleeping next to a mother who smokes, or on his or her tummy, or accidentally slipping into gaps around your bed will increase your child’s risk of SIDS. The safest way, according to studies, for your baby to sleep is on his or her back and a monitor that alerts you to changes in your baby’s breathing can also be a great investment.
