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Infant-parent bed sharing in an inner-city population
Ruth A Brenner1, Bruce G Simons-Morton, Brinda Bhaskar
1Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 6100 Executive Blvd, Room 7B03, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. BrennerR@nih.gov
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|January 9, 2003
Summary
Infant bed sharing is common in urban populations, with nearly half of infants sharing a bed with parents. Sleep practices remain stable through the first year, highlighting the need for more research on associated risks and benefits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Public Health Research
- Sociology of Family
Background:
- Infant-parent bed sharing is a prevalent yet controversial practice in the U.S.
- Concerns include suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), particularly for mothers who smoke.
- Limited data exists on normative bed-sharing practices in low-income communities.
Discussion:
- This study investigated sleep practices in a cohort of predominantly low-income, inner-city infants.
- It examined the stability of these practices during the first 7 to 12 months of life.
- Factors associated with bed sharing were identified.
Key Insights:
- Nearly half of infants (48%-47%) regularly shared a bed with a parent between 3 to 12 months of age.
- Bed-sharing practices demonstrated relative stability, with 75% of bed-sharing infants continuing the practice.
- Single maternal marital status and experiencing one or more household moves were significantly associated with bed sharing.
Outlook:
- Findings indicate a high prevalence and stability of infant bed sharing in urban, low-income settings.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the benefits and risks of bed sharing.
- Public health guidelines may need to address these normative practices.