[Co-sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome]

Bedsharing has recently become a controversial subject. Some authors, mainly from North America, assign to bedsharing a positive effect on the efficacy and duration of breast-feeding. Moreover, it would protect against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Conversely, other studies consider bedsharing as an additional risk factor for SIDS. From the literature data, there is some evidence for an increased risk of SIDS when bedsharing is associated with maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. Bedsharing cannot be recommended as an absolutely safe practice. Breast-feeding mothers should be aware of these potential hazards.