Most likely the answer is – no. I have added some charts that I found interesting and informative along with the links that provide more information. Take a look at the following and draw your own conclusions on whether or not you feel like these statistics apply to you and your family.
This study published on NPR is worth a read as you make your own decisions on room sharing with your infant/toddler and for how long you would like to do so.
Babies Sleep Better In Their Own Rooms After 4 Months, Study Finds
The AAP recommends infants share a parents’ room, but not a bed, “ideally for a year, but at least for six months” to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Approximately 3,700 infants died of sleep-related causes in 2015 including 1,600 from SIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although this recommendation has technically been part of AAP policy for years, it was largely overlooked due to the policy’s wording until last October, when new recommendations were released.
At the time, some prominent pediatricians questioned the evidence behind it. Among the skeptics was Ian Paul, lead author of the new study published Monday in Pediatrics. READ MORE
- I find that after 5-6 months of age – most definitely – the whole family sleeps longer and better. Caveat: If and only if mommy is ok with this arrangement and feels her child is safe and secure in this separate arrangement.
- After 7-8 months of age – it is almost impossible to keep them in the room with the parents without compromising BOTH the parent’s sleep and the baby’s.
Other charts of interest:
Breakdown of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death by Cause, 2014
Of all the cases of SIDS and SIDS related deaths in 2014 the breakdown looks like this.
Less than half of the cases are SIDS.
25% accidental suffocation – these are likely avoidable with safe bedding and a safe sleeping environment.
The remaining 30% are unknown.
There are other significant factors worth looking at when assessing if your family is in a high risk group:
When looking at the risks of SIDS the following three factors have remained a topic of discussion and study.
- Low Socioeconomic Status
- Maternal Age – The younger the mother the higher the risk.
- Maternal Education – The more educated the mother the lower the risk.
I found the following chart interesting as well since one of the major markers for sids is low socio economic demographic.
Ethnic Statistics from CDC report – 2013
The following charts break down risk factors by something that no one – including myself – wants to address. Race. The good news is that even in the following demographic the incidents of SIDS have gone down since 2010.
Read full report – Ethnic Statistics from CDC report – 2010
2013 – Read Full CDC Report Here
