Subtitle: Why Does Room-Sharing Reduce SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death among infants aged one month to one year old. To reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing but not bed-sharing. Room-sharing is when the baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet in the same room as the parents. This practice has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
What is Room-Sharing?
Room-sharing is a practice in which an infant sleeps in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed. Parents can choose to place the baby in a crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper on the same side of the room. Room-sharing is recommended for babies up to six months of age.
How Does Room-Sharing Reduce SIDS?
Room-sharing offers a number of benefits that can help reduce the risk of SIDS. First, room-sharing allows the parents to monitor the baby’s breathing and movements more easily. It also keeps the baby close to the parent’s warmth which can help prevent overheating. Additionally, it can make it easier for the parents to recognize if the baby has stopped breathing. Lastly, room-sharing can help reduce the risk of suffocation and strangulation that can occur when a baby is sleeping in the same bed as an adult.
Conclusion
Room-sharing is an effective way to reduce the risk of SIDS. It has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. Room-sharing is recommended for babies up to six months of age and offers several benefits including the ability to monitor the baby’s breathing and movements more easily, keeping the baby close to the parent’s warmth, and reducing the risk of suffocation and strangulation.