Sheriff warns of co-sleeping dangers after two baby deaths

TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - The Hillsborough County sheriff wants parents and guardians to know of the dangers of co-sleeping after two children died last month.

In 2018, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, eight children died from co-sleeping and seven more suffocated from "unsafe sleeping environments." Monday, Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a public safety announcement on co-sleeping, or sleeping in the same bed as a baby.

"Parents, I know you're tired, and it's easier to let your baby sleep next to you in bed or on a couch, but it's extremely dangerous. Not only can you rollover on your child, but your baby can also get trapped between the mattress and the wall or suffocate from blankets, pillows and stuffed animals."

He said the safest place for a baby is in their own crib or bassinet.

"Remember, a baby isn't developed enough to let you know they're in a bad spot, they can't move or can't breathe," Chronister added.

The American Adademy of Pediatrics recommends babies be placed on their backs to sleep, in their own bed.

WATCH: Chronister's full video can be viewed below: