I would really urge everyone to look at the facts (i.e. peer-reviewed research articles) about the dangers of co-sleeping and SIDS. Putting the ad aside, it is very dangerous to co-sleep with your baby. For me, this isn't about "opinion"; it's about facts. I'm a little shocked that someone mentioned it isn't correlated and said he/she looked at peer-reviewed articles...because I did, too, and it was highly correlated. I'm not sure if these people are honestly stating that they found these articles (if so, would you mind sharing?) or if it's just a goal to spread this misinformation?

Yes, the ad was in poor taste. When I was pregnant, at my first appointment, the ob handed me a booklet with tips for healthy pregnancy, from the state, that included "don't do illegal drugs, eat fruits and vegetables, don't smoke." Now, these would seem like standard elementary school health tips...but obviously not everyone cues into their "fierce and primal protective natures. The questions I heard from others around me at our baby care class enforced the lack of what I thought was common knowledge. I agree with that there should be a way to promote the same safety awareness without the shame factor. Frankly, reading the responses here (and on mommy sites) has shown me "I'm going to ______ (or not)regardless of whatever statistic/article you throw at me". Fill in the blank with breastfeeding, formula feeding, homeschooling,public school,epidural, homebirth.....Can we stop being so defensive, and just be comfortable with our personally well researched decision? Well, I'm a little burnt out regarding "how to raise your baby" discussion.

@Adam Shields, good point re: statistics. However, the studies I have read have shown that cosleeping is not correlated with increased SIDS deaths. That knowledge is not from a newspaper article. It is from peer-reviewed journals.

infants should be baptized so they can have saving faith in Jesus .And parents nor any one else can either add to or shorten the days God has determined for each of his creatures. And God is able to work out every thing for the good of those who love him,, even those he takes by some ones murder. But like the first statement very few believe that God is such a big God and Is able to do such things any more..

Human infants around the world throughout the ages have slept with their mothers. Unfortunately, if a parent is drunk or medicated, their awareness level is so decreased that they ought not to sleep with their little one anymore than they should be driving a car. My daughter slept with us til she was 3. I was warned that she would develop sleeping issues and separation problems. She's 17 and very healthy and sleeps well. A poster like this to me as a young mom would have fueled those who already challenged my maternal instincts. I agree with the poster who said that a better campaign would be to educate families about safe co-sleeping realizing that each family discovers what works for them with each child. My son slept with us for less than 6 months. He wanted his space! And he too has become a healthy sleeper. This ad does not appeal to the unique needs of each child, but characterizes families who co-sleep as irresponsible and reckless. That is the shame.

@Robyn, I read some more and you are right SIDS does not seem to be related to SIDS according to the studies that I have seen. I agree with you about that. But I am nto sure about the second half of your statement. Because I have not seen any issues with the rate of co-sleeping. If only 10% of infants co-sleep, but 20% of the deaths are co-sleepers then it is concerning. If 50% of infants co-sleep but only 20% of the deaths are co-sleepers, then we should be advocating for co-sleeping. The problem is that all the articles only focus on part of the question. There is not enough data in any of the articles I have seen to actually come to a reasonable conclusion. This is pseudo-science so far. There are too many correlations without any data to show causation (on either side). Which proves part of your point, that it should be considered a valid parenting choice unless it is actually shown to be problem with real data. My issue, is that by making it personal and 'about me' that it detracts from the actual policy discussion. My guess is that this is really about some newspaper reporters that dug up some stats without any context and started writing. The way to counter that is not to dig up other stats without context and counter write, it is to provide real context and show where the problem is wrong.

Had the ad been less shocking the conversation would not be taking place. Maybe it will help people think. Unfortunately the issue that may or may not be addressed in the city's campaign is how often the cosleeping trade goes occur in lower income families. I work in child welfare in New jersey and we see this issue alot. We end up providing furniture needed if necessary but sometimes it's not enough. So many other issues are related to this tragedy.

The campaign is disturbing but eye opening. How many new mothers don't know about the dangers of co-sleeping with infants/newborns. I'm a very light sleeper so I don't think I would have had an issue. Those who are heavy sleepers need to think twice before letting a newborn sleep with them. There are other options. Bassinets can be set up next to your bed.

An interesting question is that if the co-sleeping deaths seem to be strongly linked to inebriation, then why isn't the government doing an anti-parenting while drunk campaign? This co-sleeping campaign looks like a straw man drawing attention away from the real problems.

@Adam Shields, Studies DO NOT SHOW that SIDS deaths are higher among cosleeping infants. That is patently false. SIDS does not have a known cause. As for SIDS deaths, the fact that approximately half were among cosleeping infants actually proves that cosleeping is NOT more dangerous than cribsleeping with regard to SIDS. If it were a cause of SIDS, then a vast majority would be among cosleeping infants. Your "issues" are falsities. I don't "feel bad." In fact, I feel GREAT about our cosleeping. I am angry that the campaign perpetuates a myth that is not supported by science. It isn't about me or the author; it is about being upset that parents are actually being MISeducated by the campaign when a far better use of the government's time and money would be accurate education. @Barry, As for the bible warning against cosleeping, thank you for the laugh. The truth is that ALL babies coslept in that time. In fact, because the vast majority of families lived in one room, the family bed was the norm, and still is in the majority of the world where people are poor. @Patricia, that's great! I don't think anyone is saying the cosleeping is better or that everyone should do it. What I'm saying is that it is a VALID parenting choice among many and that this campaign in not only factually wrong but harmful because it does nothing to educate parents about safe sleeping practices for both cosleeping and cribsleeping families.