The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a study in the medical journal Pediatrics that sheds light on the dangers of allowing babies to sleep outside their cribs or dedicated solo sleep spaces. The study found that among infants who died suddenly, 59.5% were sleeping with someone else at the time, with 76% sleeping in an adult bed and 68.2% sharing a bed with an adult.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, warned of the tragic consequences of unsafe sleep habits. He emphasized the importance of a firm mattress for babies and advised against placing loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or other soft items in the child’s sleep space.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been linked to unsafe sleep conditions, with nearly three-quarters of SIDS cases associated with a child sleeping in a bed with a parent. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their backs for sleep in their own dedicated sleep space, such as a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, parents should also avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and ensure that the baby sleeps on their back or side until they are 1 year old. Following these guidelines can help protect infants and ensure safe sleeping practices.
