Skip to main content

Reasons for Mother–Infant Bed-Sharing: A Systematic Narrative Synthesis of the Literature and Implications for Future Research

Maternal and Child Health Journal volume 19, pages 675–690 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Mother–infant bed-sharing has been a common practice for centuries. Understanding the reasons parents choose to bed-share can help tailor safe sleep education. The purpose of this article was to systematically review the international literature on: (1) reasons parents bed-share, (2) the cultural context of bed-sharing, and (3) implications for interventions and future research. The search occurred August–September 2013 via PubMed, CINAHL, and Psyc INFO using the terms: “infant,” “sleep,” “bed shar*,” “co sleep*,” “sleep location,” “sleep practices,” and “sleep arrangements,” alone or in combination. Google Scholar was searched using: “bed share,” “bed sharing,” “co sleep,” and “co sleeping.” Inclusion criteria were: (1) referenced bed-sharing with infants 12 months or younger; (2) provided reasons for bed-sharing; and (3) published between 1990 and 2013. Studies were excluded if they focused on disorders such as epilepsy, breathing disorders, or among multi-gestational infants. Narrative synthesis was used to summarize findings. Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria. The main themes around bed-sharing based on this synthesis included: (1) breastfeeding, (2) comforting, (3) better/more sleep, (4) monitoring, (5) bonding/attachment, (6) environmental, (7) crying, (8) tradition, (9) disagree with danger, and (10) maternal instinct. Findings suggest that future research should examine parents’ decision-making process on infant sleep location, including how they weigh personal reasons and sources of advice. Public health interventions should incorporate the particular reasons of the population they are targeting. Clinicians should discuss infant sleep environment with each family, along with their motivations for choosing this environment, and work within that framework to address the safety of the sleep environment.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price includes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1

References

  1. McKenna, J. J., & Volpe, L. E. (2007). Sleeping with baby: An internet-based sampling of parental experiences, choices, perceptions, and interpreptations in a western industrialized context. Infant and Child Development, 16(4), 359–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Jenni, O. G., Fuhrer, H. Z., Iglowstein, I., Molinari, L., & Largo, R. H. (2005). A longitudinal study of bed sharing and sleep problems among Swiss children in the first 10 years of life. Pediatrics, 115(1 Suppl), 233–240.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Thoman, E. B. (2006). Co-sleeping, an ancient practice: Issues of the past and present, and possibilities for the future. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 10(6), 407–417.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Giannotti, F., & Cortesi, F. (2009). Family and cultural influences on sleep development. Pediatric Sleep Disorders, 18(4), 849–861.

    Google Scholar 

  5. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2005). The changing concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Diagnostic coding shifts, controversies regarding the sleeping environment, and new variables to consider in reducing risk. Pediatrics, 116(5), 1245–1255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2000). Changing concepts of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Implications for infant sleeping environment and sleep position. Pediatrics, 105, 650–656.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. American Academy of Pediatrics. (1997). Does bed sharing affect the risk of SIDS? Pediatrics, 100(2), 272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. American Academy of Pediatrics. (1992). Positioning and SIDS. Pediatrics, 39, 1120.

    Google Scholar 

  9. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Expansion of recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment. Pediatrics, 128(5), 1030–1039.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Carpenter, R., McGarvey, C., Mitchell, E. A., Tappin, D. M., Vennemann, M. M., Smith, K., et al. (2013). Bed sharing when parents do not smoke: Is there a risk of SIDS? An individual level analysis of five major case-control studies. BMJ Open, 3, e002299.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Vennemann, M. M., Hense, H. W., Bajanowski, T., Blair, P. S., Complojer, C., Moon, R. Y., et al. (2012). Bed sharing and the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Can we resolve the debate? Journal of Pediatrics, 160(1), 44–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. (2013). Child Health USA 2013. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  13. Colson, E. R., Willinger, M., Rybin, D., Heeren, T., Smith, L.A., Lister, G., et al. (2013). Trends and factors associated with infant bed sharing, 1993–2010: The National Infant Sleep Position Study. JAMA Pediatrics, 167(11), 1032–1037.

  14. Mathews, T. J., & MacDorman, M. F. (2013). Infant mortality statistics from the 2009 period linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set. National Vital Statistics Reports, 61(8), 1–28.

  15. Hoyert, D. L., & Xu J. (2012). Deaths: Preliminary data for 2011. National Vital Statistics Report, 61(6), 1–52.

  16. Ball, H. L. (2009). Bed-sharing and co-sleeping: Research overview. NCT New Digest, 48, 22–27.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Ball, H. L., & Volpe, L. E. (2013). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction and infant sleep location—moving the discussion forward. Social Science and Medicine, 79, 84–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Baddock, S. A., Galland, B. C., Bolton, D. P., Williams, S. M., & Taylor, B. J. (2006). Differences in infant and parent behaviors during routine bed sharing compared with cot sleeping in the home setting. Pediatrics, 117(5), 1599–1607.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Doering, J. J. (2013). The physical and social environment of sleep in socioeconomically disadvantaged postpartum women. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 42(1), E33–E43.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Gettler, L. T., & McKenna, J. J. (2010). “Never sleep with baby?” Or “keep me close but keep me safe”: Eliminating inappropriate safe infant sleep rhetoric in the United States. Current Pediatric Reviews, 6(1), 1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Fetherston, C. M., & Leach, J. S. (2012). Analysis of the ethical issues in the breastfeeding and bedsharing debate. Breastfeeding Review, 20(3), 7–17.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Horsley, T., Clifford, T., Barrowman, N., Bennet, S., Yazdi, F., Sampson, M., et al. (2007). Benefits and harms associated with the practice of bed sharing: A systematic review. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 161(3), 237–245.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. McKenna, J. J., & McDade, T. (2005). Why babies should never sleep alone: A review of the co-sleeping controversy in relation to SIDS, bedsharing and breastfeeding. Paediatric Respiratory Reviews, 6(2), 134–152.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. McKenna, J. J., & Gettler, L. T. (2008). Cultural influences on infant and childhood sleep biology, and the science that studies it: Toward a more inclusive paradigm II. In C. L. Marcus, J. L. Carroll, D. F. Donnelly, & G. M. Loughlin (Eds.), Sleep in children: Developmental changes in sleep patterns (2nd ed., pp. 183–221). New York: NY: informa healthcare.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Owens, J. A. (2008). Socio-cultural considerations and sleep practices in the pediatric population. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 3(1), 97–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Volpe, L. E., Ball, H. L., & McKenna, J. J. (2013). Nighttime parenting strategies and sleep-related risks to infants. Social Science and Medicine, 79, 92–100.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Sobralske, M. C., & Gruber, M. E. (2009). Risks and benefits of parent/child bed sharing. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 21, 474–479.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Fu, L. Y., Colson, E. R., Corwin, M. J., & Moon, R. Y. (2008). Infant sleep location: Associated maternal and infant characteristics with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention recommendations. Journal of Pediatrics, 153(4), 503–508.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Taylor, N., Donovan, W., & Leavitt, L. (2008). Consistency in infant sleeping arrangements and mother–infant interaction. Infant Mental Health Journal, 29(2), 77–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Johnston, J., & Johnston, E. A. (2008). On bed sharing. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 37(6), 619–621.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Dahl, R. E., & El-Sheikh, M. (2007). Considering sleep in a family context: Introduction to the special issue. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(1), 1–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Blanchard, D. S., & Vermilya, H. L. (2007). Bedsharing: Toward a more holistic approach in research and practice. Holistic Nursing Practice, 21(1), 19–25.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. van Wouwe, J. P., & HiraSing, R. A. (2006). Prevention of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. Lancet, 367(9507), 277–278.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Rowe, J. (2003). A room of their own: The social landscape of infant sleep. Nursing Inquiry, 10(3), 184–192.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Owens, J. A. (2005). Introduction: Culture and sleep in children. Pediatrics, 115(1 Suppl), 201–203.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Ball, H. (2012). The latest on bed sharing and breastfeeding. Community Practitioner, 85(1), 29–31.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Buswell, S. D., & Spatz, D. L. (2007). Parent-infant co-sleeping and its relationship to breastfeeding. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 21(1), 22–28.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Porter, L. (2007). All night long: Understanding the world of infant sleep. Breastfeeding Review, 15(3), 11–15.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Anders, T. F. (1994). Infant sleep, nighttime relationships, and attachment. Psychiatry, 57(1), 11–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Jenni, O. G., & O’Connor, B. B. (2005). Children’s sleep: An interplay between culture and biology. Pediatrics, 115(Supp 1), 204–216.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. McKenna, J. J., Ball, H. L., & Gettler, L. T. (2007). Mother–infant cosleeping, breastfeeding and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: What biological anthropology has discovered about normal infant sleep and pediatric sleep medicine. Yearbook of physical anthropology, 50, 133–161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Rosen, L. A. (2008). Infant sleep and feeding. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 37(6), 706–714.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Overpeck, M., Cruz, T. H., & McKenzie, L. B. (2013). Advancing safe sleep for infants through translational research. Injury prevention, 19(6), 442.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Ball, H. L. (2002). Reasons to bed-share: Why parents sleep with their infants. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 20(4), 207–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Popay, J., Roberts, H., Sowden, A., Petticrew, M., Arai, L., Rodgers, M., et al. (2006). Guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews: A product from the ESRC methods programme. Lancaster: Institute for Health Research, University Lancaster.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Mays, N., Pope, C., & Popay, J. (2005). Systematically reviewing qualitative and quantitative evidence to inform management and policy-making in the health field. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 10(1), 6–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Barnett-Page, E., & Thomas, J. (2009). Methods for the synthesis of qualitative research: A critical review. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 9(59). doi:10.1186/1471-2288-9-59.

  48. Noyes, J., Popay, J., Pearson, A., Hannes, K., Booth, A. (2011) Chapter 20: Qualitative research and Cochrane reviews. In Higgins, J. P. T., Green, S., (Eds.), Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 5.1.0 ed. The Cochrane Collaboration.

  49. Harden, A., Garcia, J., Oliver, S., Rees, R., Shepherd, J., Brunton, G., et al. (2004). Applying systematic review methods to studies of people’s views: An example from public health research. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 58, 794–800.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Boyatzis, R. E. (1998). Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Pope, C., Mays, N., & Popay, J. (2007). Synthesizing qualitative and quantitative health evidence: A guide to methods. Berkshire: Open University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Abel, S., Park, J., Tipene-Leach, D., Finau, S., & Lennan, M. (2001). Infant care practices in New Zealand: A cross-cultural qualitative study. Social Science and Medicine, 53(9), 1135–1148.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Aslam, H., Kemp, L., Harris, E., & Gilbert, E. (2009). Socio-cultural perceptions of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among migrant Indian mothers. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 45(11), 670–675.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Ateah, C. A., & Hamelin, K. J. (2008). Maternal bedsharing practices, experiences, and awareness of risks. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 37(3), 274–281.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Baddock, S. A., Galland, B. C., Taylor, B. J., & Bolton, D. P. (2007). Sleep arrangements and behavior of bed-sharing families in the home setting. Pediatrics, 119(1), e200–e207.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Chianese, J., Ploof, D., Trovato, C., & Chang, J. C. (2009). Inner-city caregivers’ perspectives on bed sharing with their infants. Academic Pediatric, 9(1), 26–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Culver, E. (2008). Exploring bed-sharing mothers’ motives and decision making for getting through the night intact: A grounded theory. [dissertation]. Marywood University.

  58. Dodd, J. (2012). Evaluation of the Dept of Health Western Australia operational directive statewide co-Sleeping/Bed-sharing policy for WA health hospitals and health services. Collaboration for Applied Research and Evaluation: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research under contract with the Department of Health, Western Australia.

  59. Germo, G. R., Chang, E. S., Keller, M. A., & Goldberg, W. A. (2007). Child sleep arrangements and family life: Perspectives from mothers and fathers. Infant and Child Development, 16, 433–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Glover, M., Waldon, J., Manaena-Biddle, H., Holdaway, M., & Cunningham, C. (2009). Barriers to best outcomes in breastfeeding for Maori: Mothers’ perceptions, whanau perceptions, and services. Journal of Human Lactation, 25(3), 307–316.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Hackett, M., & Simons, H. (2013). Parental adherence to infant sleep safety recommendations. Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education, 3(4). doi:10.4172/2161-0711.1000219.

  62. Hauck, F. R., Signore, C., Fein, S. B., & Raju, T. N. (2008). Infant sleeping arrangements and practices during the first year of life. Pediatrics, 122(2), S113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Hooker, E., Ball, H. L., & Kelly, P. J. (2001). Sleeping like a baby: Attitudes and experiences of bedsharing in Northeast England. Medical Anthropology, 19(3), 203–222.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Hutchison, L., Stewart, A. W., & Mitchell, E. (2006). SIDS-protective infant care practices among Auckland, New Zealand mothers. New Zealand Medical Journal, 15(119), 1247.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Joyner, B. L., Oden, R. P., Ajao, T. I., & Moon, R. Y. (2010). Where should my baby sleep: A qualitative study of African American infant sleep location decisions. Journal of the National Medical Association, 102(10), 881–889.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Kendall-Tackett, K., Cong, Z., & Hale, T. W. (2010). Mother–infant sleep locations and nighttime feeding behavior: U.S. data from the Survey of Mothers’ Sleep and Fatigue. Clinical Lactation, 1, 27–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Lathen, L. (2009). ABCs for healthy babies: A social marketing campaign for eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes in southeastern and southern Wisconsin, final report. Wisconsin: Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Liamputtong, P. (2002). Childrearing practices and child health among the Hmong in Australia: Implications for health services. International Journal of Health Services, 32(4), 817–836.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Morelli, G., Oppenheim, D., Rogoff, B., & Goldsmith, D. (1992). Cultural variation in infants’ sleeping arrangements: Questions of independence. Developmental Psychology, 28(4), 604–613.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Ramos, K. D. (2003). Intentional versus reactive co-sleeping. Sleep Research Online, 5, 141–147.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Tipene-Leach, D., Hutchison, L., Tangiora, A., Rea, C., White, R., Stewart, A., et al. (2010). SIDS-related knowledge and infant care practices among Maori mothers. New Zealand Medical Journal, 123(1326), 88–96.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Tomori, C. (2011). The moral dilemmas of nighttime breastfeeding: Crafting kinship, personhood and capitalism in the U.S. [dissertation]. University of Michigan.

  73. Weimer, S. M., Dise, T. L., Evers, P. B., Ortiz, M. A., Welldaregay, W., & Steinmann, W. C. (2002). Prevalence, predictors, and attitudes toward cosleeping in an urban pediatric center. Clinical Pediatrics, 41(6), 433–438.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Lee, K. A., & Gay, C. L. (2011). Can modifications to the bedroom environment improve the sleep of new parents? Two randomized clinical trials. Research in Nursing & Health, 34(1), 7–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Wagner, S. A. (1996). The effect of cosleeping on infant and mother attachment and rates of transitional object use. [dissertation].

  76. Bettegowda, V., Manzano, K., & Boyd, L. (2004). Beliefs and practices regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risk reduction among African American mothers, fathers, and caregivers in New York City: Summary of SIDS focus groups. New York: Bureau of Maternal, Infant and Reproductive Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Welles-Nystrom, B. (2005). Co-sleeping as a window into Swedish culture: Considerations of gender and health care. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 19(4), 354–360.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Doering, J., & Durfor, S. L. (2011). The process of “persevering toward normalcy” after childbirth. MCN; American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 36(4), 258–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Kennedy, H. P., Gardiner, A., Gay, C., & Lee, K. A. (2007). Negotiating sleep: A qualitative study of new mothers. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 21, 114–122.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Cullen, A., Kiberd, B., McDonnell, M., Mehanni, M., Matthews, T. G., & O’Regan, M. (2000). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome—are parents getting the message? Irish Journal of Medical Science, 69(1), 40–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Rice, P. L., & Naksook, C. (1998). Child rearing and cultural beliefs and practices amongst Thai mothers in Victoria, Australia: Implications for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 34(4), 320–324.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Messmer, R., Miller, L. D., & Yu, C. M. (2012). The relationship between parent–infant bed sharing and marital satisfaction for mothers of infants. Family Relations, 61(5), 798–810.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  83. Morgan, K. H., Groer, M. W., & Smith, L. J. (2006). The controversy about what constitutes safe and nurturant infant sleep environments. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 35, 684–691.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Mesich, H. M. (2005). Mother–infant co-sleeping: Understanding the debate and maximizing infant safety. MCN; American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 30(1), 30–37.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Lozoff, B. (1995). Culture and family: Influences on childhood sleep practices and problems. In R. Ferber & M. Kryger (Eds.), Principles and practice of sleep medicine in the child (pp. 69–73). Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Resnicow, K., Baranowski, T., Ahluwahalia, J. S., & Braithwite, R. L. (1999). Cultural sensitivity in public health: Defined and demystified. Ethnicity and Disease, 9(1), 10–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Gettler, L. T., & McKenna, J. J. (2011). Evolutionary perspectives on mother–infant sleep proximity and breastfeeding in a laboratory setting. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 144(3), 454–462.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Morgan, B. E., Horn, A. R., & Bergman, N. J. (2011). Should neonates sleep alone? Biological Psychiatry, 70, 817–825.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Schnitzer, P. G., Covington, T. M., & Dykstra, H. K. (2012). Sudden unexpected infant deaths: Sleep environment and circumstances. American Journal of Public Health, 102(6), 1204–1212.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Scheers, N. J., Rutherford, G. W., & Kemp, J. S. (2003). Where should infants sleep? A comparison of risk for suffocation of infants sleeping in cribs, adult beds, and other sleeping locations. Pediatrics, 112, 883–889.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Unger, B., Kemp, J. S., Wilkins, D., Psara, R., Ledbetter, T., Graham, M., et al. (2003). Racial disparity and modifiable risk factors among infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly. Pediatrics, 111, e127–e131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Kemp, J. S., Unger, B., Wilkins, D., Psara, R. M., Ledbetter, T. L., Graham, M. A., et al. (2000). Unsafe sleep practices and an analysis of bedsharing among infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly: Results of a four year, population-based, death-scene investigation study of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and related deaths. Pediatrics, 106(3), e41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Drago, D. A., & Dannenberg, A. L. (1999). Infant mechanical suffocation deaths in the United States, 1980–1997. Pediatrics, 103(5), e59.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Carpenter, R. G., Irgens, L. M., Blair, P. S., England, P. D., Fleming, P., Huber, J., et al. (2004). Sudden unexplained infant death in 20 regions in Europe: Case control study. Lancet, 363, 185–191.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Tappin, D., Ecob, R., & Brooke, H. (2005). Bedsharing, roomsharing, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Scotland: A case-control study. Journal of Pediatrics, 147(1), 32–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Blair, P., & Fleming, P. (2002). Epidemiological investigations of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome infants—recommendations for future studies. Child: Care, Health and Development, 28(Suppl 1), 49–54.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Blair, P. S., Fleming, P. J., Smith, I. J., Platt, M. W., Young, J., & Nadin, P. (1999). Babies sleeping with parents: Case-control study of factors influencing the risk of the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. CESDI SUDI Research Group. BMJ, 319, 1457–1462.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. Baum, N. M., Gollust, S. E., Goold, S. D., & Jacobson, P. D. (2007). Looking ahead: Addressing ethical challenges in public health practice. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 35(4), 657–667.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  99. Goldberg, W. A., & Keller, M. A. (2007). Co-sleeping during infancy and early childhood: Key findings and future directions. Infant and Child Development, 16, 457–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  100. Ramos, K. D., Youngclarke, D. M., & Anderson, J. E. (2007). Parental perceptions of sleep problems among co-sleeping and solitary sleeping children. Infant and Child Development, 16(4), 417–431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  101. Ball, H. L., Moya, E., Fairley, L., Westman, J., Oddie, S., & Wright, J. (2012). Bed- and sofa-sharing practices in a UK biethnic population. Pediatrics, 129(3), e673–e681.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author thanks the reviewers of a previous submission of this work whose thorough feedback resulted in a much more rigorous manuscript, and thanks Prashikshya Karki, BSW, MA, Graduate Assistant and MSW MPH student at the University of Georgia, for her effort in obtaining and organizing articles.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Georgia, 310 E Campus Rd, Athens, GA, 30602-7016, USA

    Trina C. Salm Ward

  2. Center for Urban Population Health, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Trina C. Salm Ward

Authors
  1. Trina C. Salm Ward
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Trina C. Salm Ward.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ward, T.C.S. Reasons for Mother–Infant Bed-Sharing: A Systematic Narrative Synthesis of the Literature and Implications for Future Research. Matern Child Health J 19, 675–690 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-014-1557-1

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-014-1557-1

Keywords

  • Bed-sharing
  • Co-sleeping
  • Mother–infant bed-sharing
  • Infant sleep
  • Narrative synthesis