Sweden May Change Bed-Sharing Advice for Infants
Sweden may reverse its ban on parents sharing beds with infants under three months. Health authorities are reviewing co-sleeping guidelines after parents and experts called them unrealistic. The change would mark a significant shift in Sweden's approach to infant sleep safety.
Sweden's health authorities are reconsidering their advice against parents sharing beds with infants under three months. The National Board of Health and Welfare will review its co-sleeping recommendations after criticism from parents and experts.
Parents and specialists say the current guidelines are difficult to follow in practice. They argue the rules don't account for babies' natural need for closeness.
Midwife Asabea Britton welcomed the review. She said forcing babies to sleep alone can create unnecessary stress for families.
"The advice that children must sleep alone at all costs can make parents feel something is wrong with their baby or parenting if they don't succeed," Britton explained. "This can lead to shame and guilt when parents eventually choose co-sleeping just to cope."
Sweden introduced the bed-sharing warning in 2013 to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Officials told parents to use separate beds nearby, avoid soft bedding, and always place babies on their backs.
Many Swedish parents found these rules challenging to maintain. The strict approach contrasts with practices in other Nordic countries where co-sleeping is more accepted.
The review reflects a growing recognition that one-size-fits-all sleep advice doesn't work for every family. Health authorities appear to be acknowledging that practical reality sometimes outweighs theoretical risks.
When will the new recommendations be ready? Officials haven't announced a timeline for the updated guidelines.