Dr. Nakamura,

After reading your article regarding the dangers of children under 2
years sleeping with their parents, I was struck with a point that I did
not see mentioned.

Rather than strongly discouraging parents from making their own
decisions regarding family sleeping arrangements, perhaps this situation
can be approached from a different perspective.

Consider:

Unrestrained children in automobiles suffer death or grievous bodily
harm when involved in a motor vehicle accident. Solution: educate
parents on the importance of appropriate usage of car seats.

Unprotected children suffer severe neurological and other damage from
using in-line skates. Solution: Educate parents and children on the
dangers of unprotected skating, encourage the use of helmets, knee and
elbow pads, etc.

No one has suggested that a recommendation be made that parents never
allow their small children to ride in automobiles, nor has a similar
objection been made to skating and other athletic activities like
bicycling.  Instead, we educate and inform, which allows parents to
exercise their own judgment. Leaving adults in control of their own
families rather than attempting to take away their right to make
informed choices on parenting their children is an empowering and
appropriate action.

Can we not simply educate parents how to safely share sleeping
arrangements with their small children?  There appear to be few actual
dangers, for example, space between the mattress and the head/footboard.
The same safety measures were implemented for cribs, after many, many
children suffered injury or death from poor crib design.

I would like for you to consider the ramifications of taking away
decisions on parental choices from the parents and placing the authority
upon the well-meaning, but perhaps over reaching medical community.  I
truly believe that well educated parents are the best and most
appropriate people to make lifestyle and parenting choices for families.

Thank you for your time and your consideration of my opinions.

Sincerely,
--

Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC
Dallas Texas USA

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