Evaluation of the Association Between Sleeping Arrangements and Breastfeeding in Infants: A Cross-Sectional, Single Unit Study

• Published in: The journal of pediatric research 2023-09, Vol.10 (3), p.195-204
• Main Authors: Ozturk, Tugba Burcu, Gokce, Sule, Tosyali, Merve, Koc, Feyza Umay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; bed-sharing; Breast feeding; breastfeeding; Co-sleeping; infant; Infants; Patient outcomes; room-sharing; sids; Sleep; Sleep disorders
• ISSN: 2147-9445; 2147-9445; 2587-2478
• DOI: 10.4274/jpr.galenos.2023.98965

Aim: The bed-sharing option has been reported to positively encourage breastfeeding frequency in the literature. However, an association between sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infant bed-sharing has also been identified. The present study aimed to determine the effects of mother-infant bed-sharing and room-sharing on breastfeeding and sleep patterns and whether there is any increased risk of SIDS. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 507 mother-infant dyads between August, 2017 and August, 2018. Bed-sharing was defined as sharing a bed or mattress; room-sharing was defined as sharing the same room for any part of the night. The validated Sleep Questionnaire form was used to assess infant sleep characteristics. Potential predictors of bed-sharing were evaluated via logistic regression models (age, education, etc.). Results: In the study period, 507 mother-infant dyads were included. The rate of room-sharing was 78.1%, and the rate of bed-sharing was 12.4%. Additionally, the rate of sleeping in a different room was 9.5%. All infants aged 1-5 months who shared a bed with their mother were breastfed, while 94% of those who did not share a bed were breastfed. For 6-12-month-old babies, the breastfeeding frequency was 86% for those who shared a bed, whereas 77% of those who did not share a bed were breastfed. However, the bed-sharing modality was not statistically shown to increase the frequency of breastfeeding [odds ratio (95% confidence interval); 0.362 (0.130-1.01)] (p=0.052). Conclusion: Sharing a bed remains popular for infants' sleep arrangements. In our study, the majority of infants slept in separate cribs. This study revealed that mother-infant bed sharing increased breastfeeding frequency. Moreover, mother-infant bed sharing delayed the age at which babies with sleep disorders stopped breastfeeding. Keywords: Infant, sleep, breastfeeding, bed-sharing, room-sharing, SIDS