Risks and benefits of parent/child bed sharing.
OBJECTIVE
To recognize the concerns for and against parent/child bed-sharing (co-sleeping) practices.


METHODS
Review of the literature and the clinical experiences of the authors.


CONCLUSIONS
The decision to bed share ultimately lies with the parent, but it is the responsibility of the nurse practitioner (NP) to discuss risks and benefits of parent preferences and to help families make a safe decision regarding the sleeping arrangement for their child.


CONCLUSIONS
If NPs know the benefits and risks regarding co-sleeping and bed sharing, they can better promote safe and culturally congruent family centered care.
College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington 99210-1495, USA. marysobralske@wsu.edu
Mary C
MC
Sobralske
Megan E
ME
Gruber
D000328:Adult; D001513:Beds; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012890:Sleep