cot death risk and baby in own room

[nicewarmslippers]

My ds is 14 weeks and I am very keen to move him out as neither of us are sleeping well with him so close, we seem to wake each other up. With dd she was out much earlier but the spare room was very very close and our room small and she slept brilliantly (I think as we couldn't hear each other breath). However I am terrified of cot death. Anyone know the ansers to my questions:

1. why are babies in parent's room at less risk?
   
2. would baby being in older sister (3) room be OK? ie is it having another human near that helps or parents doing something?
   
3. what age does the risk tail off?
   
4. how steeply does it tail off?
   
   any advice greatfully recieved. Even if just to say lump it for another 3 months

[wontbepreggersagain]

don't quote me but i think the incidence of cot death peaks at 4 months- there are many many factors though- have you thought of a breathing monitor if that would put your mind at rest.

[Haribosmummy]

I was told that the biggest risk was between 2 and 4 months.

After that, I believe, the risk gets much smaller.

So, I'd stick it out for another few weeks...

Thereagain, my DS is 8 months now and he rarely spends the entire night in his own room

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

This is only my understanding and I think part of the issue is that no one really knows the reasons why, just that research shows that being in the same room does reduce the risk. That said;

1. Two theories; that the noises you all make mean that they fall in to a less deep sleep and so are less likely to stop breathing (ie you are meant to all disturb each other). And something about the carbon dioxide you breathe out regulating their breathing but I don't really understand that one. (Oh and also hearing you breath reminds them to do so).
   
2. If all the above is true then surely yes.
   
3. 6 months (although 2 to 3 months is the peak period of concern)
   
4. Quite significantly at 6 months.
   We've just put DS in his own room (at 6 months) and looking back it really wasn't that long to wait (although it felt it at times). Worth it to reduce the risk...

[Bubbaluv]

Maybe the combo of a breathing monitor AND putting him the room with his sister would be the best compromise?

[nicewarmslippers]

thanks so much for your thoughtful comments. I think we will stick it a couple more months at least (its not a long time in the big scheme of things). If I know us disturbing each other may be saving his life it will make it TOTALLY easy to cope with and not at all worth grumping about.