Risks and benefits of parent/child bed sharing

Purpose To recognize the concerns for and against parent/child bed-sharing (co-sleeping) practices. Data sources 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. Implications for practice If NPs know the benefits and risks regarding co-sleeping and bed sharing, they can better promote safe and culturally congruent family centered care.