Is "Bed Sharing" Beneficial and Safe during Infancy? A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Conflicting evidence exists on infant bed sharing safety and efficacy.
• Bed sharing may facilitate breastfeeding and prevent hypothermia.
• However, it is also identified as a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence on the safety and efficacy of infant bed sharing.
• To assess the association between bed sharing and breastfeeding rates.
• To evaluate the association between bed sharing and SIDS risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of major scientific databases.
• Inclusion of observational studies on infants within the first 4 weeks of life.
• Follow-up of infants for a variable period.

Main Results:

• 21 studies were included, predominantly from developed countries.
• Low-quality evidence suggests bed sharing is associated with higher breastfeeding rates at 4 weeks (75.5% vs. 50%).
• Low-quality evidence indicates bed sharing increases SIDS risk (23.3% vs. 11.2%).

Conclusions:

• Bed sharing demonstrates a low-quality evidence association with increased breastfeeding rates and SIDS risk.
• Further research is required to investigate bed sharing, breastfeeding, and associated infant risks.
• Understanding hazardous circumstances surrounding infant sleep is crucial.