WebMD Medical News Laura J. Martin, MD July 18, 2011 -- Toddlers
who share a bed with their parents do not face increased risks
for behavioral or learning problems at age 5, according to new
research. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against
bed sharing during infancy because it may increase the risk of
sudden infant death syndrome, but little is known about the
risks of bed sharing by toddlers after age 1. Bed sharing or co-
sleeping is common in many countries and cultures, but in the
U.S. parents often receive mixed messages about the practice.
"The idea that bed sharing may be bad for toddlers is mostly
based on folklore," says study researcher R. Gabriela Barajas of
Teachers College of Columbia University in New York City. "From
what we see, there is no additional risk of behavioral and
cognitive problems among toddlers who share a bed with their
parents." The new findings appear in the August issue of
Pediatrics. Children from 944 low-income families were assessed
at ages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Wh