Infant co-sleeping or bed sharing has been in the buzz for many years now as to its real importance. Debates on whether it is safe or not has been here for years. In recent studies, they found out that bed-sharing or co-sleeping can be beneficial for the baby's social, emotional and mental development. Many are against this practice because of the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This practice is a norm in many countries especially in the eastern part of the world. For most counties like Japan, Philippines, and other South East Asian countries, co-sleeping is a normal scenario among parents and their children. In Japan where co-sleeping and breastfeeding are normal practices, cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are the lowest.
Bed sharing creates an easier way for mothers to breastfeed their infants. A study by Dr. Helen Balls from the University of Durham, bed sharing lengthens the duration of breastfeeding for mothers because it is easier and comfortable. Hence, reducing the chances for mothers to develop breast cancer.
Another study entitled, "Why babies should never sleep alone: A review of the co-sleeping controversy in relation to SIDS, bed sharing and breast feeding," by Dr. James McKenna and Thomas McDade, reiterates the need for re-evaluating policies on not allowing bed-sharing among parents and their babies. SIDS cases were caused mainly by parenteral drug use, sleeping positions like the prone position and sleeping in unadvisable areas like water bed or sofas. Proper education, knowledge and information disseminated among parents on practicing safety measures when co-sleeping would help reduce health risks as their study believes bed-sharing can save lives.
Accordingly, bed sharing can save lives of babies because as the study said, the mother or parent can easily wake the baby up when he or she stops breathing. Being with the infant in the same room or same bed allows for immediate action when something goes wrong. Safety and security is utmost important.
Furthermore, co-sleeping aids in the development of babies stating that in countries where co-sleeping is normal, children grow up more independent, have a positive outlook in life and is close to his or her family more.
