Experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta studied infant sleep setups and found that babies sleeping in a separate room from adults carry a higher risk of sleep-related death. The findings were published in the journal Pediatrics.
The research analyzed U.S. sudden infant death cases from 2016 to 2017, identifying 112 sleep-related drowning incidents and 300 unexplained infant deaths during that period.
Children left alone in a room during sleep showed an 18.7% likelihood of suffocation or unexplained death, according to the analysis.
When adults and babies shared the same room, the adjusted data showed a protective effect against infant mortality. Conversely, sleeping on a single surface did not offer protection and was linked to higher risk. Additional factors tied to increased risk included non-supine sleep positions and the use of soft bedding such as blankets and other sleep aids.
These results underscore the importance of safe sleep practices. Keeping babies in the same room as caregivers, preferably on a firm, flat surface, and avoiding soft objects in the sleep environment are key steps recommended by public health experts to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths in the United States and Canada. Ongoing caregiver education and adherence to updated guidelines remain essential for safeguarding infants during the critical first year of life. Researchers emphasize that such safety measures should be part of routine newborn care and pediatric guidance across households, clinics, and community programs. As the science evolves, health authorities continue to refine recommendations to support families in making informed, protective choices for infant sleep.