County warns against co-sleeping after 4 deaths

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Updated: February 17, 2012 10:37PM

MUNCIE (AP) — Central Indiana health officials are warning parents against the practice of co-sleeping following the recent deaths of four healthy infants.

The Star Press of Muncie reports that four infants have died in Delaware County so far this year while sleeping with their parents.

The practice of parents sharing the same sleeping space as their children can lead to suffocation when the child is accidentally pinned beneath a parent or wedged between cushions or a wall.

County Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold says he’s willing to pursue felony charges in the accidental deaths.

Some studies have shown co-sleeping can increase bonding between parents and children. But health officials say the death risk outweighs any potential benefits.