6 month rule - what's the science?

[PaulinePetrovaPosey]

DD is 5 months and I've got no intention of putting her in her own room just yet - this is out of curiosity not intention.

I know that you're supposed to have a sleeping baby with you at all points till 6 months, but does anyone know why? The SIDS risk is very very low by 5 months and doesn't drop much at 6, so why the rule? I assume there's some science behind it, but I don't know what.

Google search:

Lullaby Trust Evidence Base

That's the science. Follow the references links if you're interested in the raw data and case studies.

The Lullaby Trust evidence base says that the risk is lowered, but not why and not why 6 months is the cut off.

Of the two studies it references on this specifically, one needs a Lancet subscription to read (which is why I wondered if anyone could explain it to me), and one says that the protective effect of room sharing is 'less clear' and 'requires more research'. That was 20 years ago so I'm not sure whether that further research has yet been done?

I'm sorry if that sounds arsey, but it's interesting!