Is it acceptable for young infants to share a bed with others?

The recommendation against young infants sharing a bed with others is based on safety concerns, particularly the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocates for infants to sleep in a separate sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, ideally in the same room as the parents, rather than sharing a bed.

When infants share a bed with adults or older children, there is a heightened danger from movements during sleep that could accidentally cause harm, such as rolling over onto the infant or the infant getting trapped in bedding or between bed frames. Safe sleep practices emphasize creating an environment that reduces the risk of these incidents, which is why it is advised that infants should have individualized sleep arrangements that are safe and free from hazards.

While bonding is important in infant care, the safety of the infant takes precedence over the advantages that might be perceived from bed-sharing. Supervision does not eliminate the risks associated with co-sleeping, especially considering the unpredictability of sleep behaviors. Thus, the stance on bed-sharing with young infants is firmly rooted in prioritizing their health and safety.