Infant bed-sharing: supporting parents to make an informed decision.
Layla Lavallee1, Meredith Scannell2
1University of Oxford, Oxford, England.
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|March 23, 2017
Summary
Infant bed-sharing guidelines in the UK and US are inconsistent. This review examines evidence on bed-sharing, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and provides resources for healthcare professionals advising parents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Infant bed-sharing is common but controversial in the UK and US.
- Healthcare professionals lack consistent guidelines for advising parents on bed-sharing.
- Existing evidence on bed-sharing and its risks, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is varied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore UK and US recommendations on infant bed-sharing.
- To review the evidence linking infant bed-sharing to SIDS and other factors.
- To identify research gaps and provide resources for healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of UK and US guidelines and research on infant bed-sharing.
- Analysis of studies examining the relationship between bed-sharing and SIDS.
- Identification of areas requiring further investigation.
Main Results:
- Current UK and US guidelines on infant bed-sharing lack consistency.
- The relationship between bed-sharing and SIDS is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
- Evidence suggests a need for clearer guidance and further research.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals require updated, evidence-based resources to advise parents on safe infant sleep practices.
- Informed decision-making regarding infant bed-sharing necessitates addressing parental preferences and risk factors.
- Further research is crucial to establish definitive safe bed-sharing recommendations.
Keywords:
SIDSbed-sharingco-sleepinginfant bed-sharinginfant bondinginfant safetypaediatricspostnatal caresudden infant death syndromeMore Related Videos
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