sudden infant death syndrome

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in their parents' room for at least six months. But some experts say scientific evidence does not back up the guidelines.

The two-pronged approach to promoting safe sleep led to a 25 percent drop in the risky practice of bed sharing with babies in the first eight days of life, a study found. But more research is needed.

Pediatricians have been telling parents for years that soft bedding, such as pillows and blankets, raises the risk of suffocation for babies. But many parents don't seem to be paying attention.