How many parents and caregivers in the U.S. share their bed with an infant? Researchers surveyed nearly 20,000 caregivers to find out. The results? The percentage of people who reported that a baby usually slept with them more than doubled between 1993 and 2010 rising from 6.5 percent to 13.5 percent. The majority of bed-sharing was done with parents.The study also found that parents were less likely to engage in this dangerous practice if they thought their doctor was against it.Sharing a bed with an infant increases their risk of dying from sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in the same room as caregivers, but not in the same bed.The researchers say these findings show how important it is for doctors to discuss sleeptime habits with new parents.I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with the health news that matters to you and your family.
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