Health Tip: Who Shouldn't 'Cosleep' With an Infant

Smokers, drinkers should never share bed with a baby, experts say

December 31, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- "Cosleeping" is the practice of letting babies sleep in bed with their parents, an older sibling or a caregiver.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has said the practice is dangerous for any child under 2 years old, according to the Nemours Foundation.

Advocates of the practice dispute the agency's recommendation. Nonetheless, the Nemours Foundation says the following people should avoid cosleeping with an infant:

Anyone who has consumed alcohol or used any drugs.
Smokers (because of an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome).
Children, especially of toddler age, because they may inadvertently roll over on the baby.

Questions and concerns about cosleeping should be discussed with your child's pediatrician, the foundation says.