By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Co-sleeping with a child can lead to serious personal injuries and death.
What is Co-Sleeping?
Co-sleeping is also referred to as the family bed. It is the practice involving babies and young children sleeping with one or two parents. The incidents or percentage of sleeping beds varies from city to city and from country to country.
What are the dangers of co-sleeping or the family bed?
It can be dangerous for an infant or small child to co-sleep with an adult. At times, the infant or small child is suffocated unknowingly by a sleeping adult. In addition, many children fall out of a bed that does not have railings or other protective devices. In Texas, it is estimated that 160 infants die annually as a result of co-sleeping in a family bed.
What can be done to improve safety for children?
Many child safety advocates recommend that infants and babies sleep in a crib or sleeping unit that is specifically designed for infants and babies. Furthermore, education to parents may help increase safety awareness and the dangers co-sleeping or the family bed.
You can read more statistics and information regarding this topic at Co-Sleeping with a Baby Can Be Dangerous.