Abstract Introduction Bedsharing is common in the U. S. , especially in toddlerhood. Few studies have examined bedsharing in socioeconomically disadvantaged families, where structural stressors such as housing instability or overcrowding may increase its likelihood. Although bedsharing has been linked to poor maternal and infant sleep, evidence in toddlerhood is limited. This study examined associations between (1) caregiver stress and bedsharing and (2) bedsharing and caregiver/toddler sleep health in socioeconomically disadvantaged households. Methods We enrolled 60 caregiver–toddler dyads eligible for federally funded programs (e. g. , WIC, Medicaid). Using a micro-longitudinal design, caregivers and toddlers wore 24/7 actigraphy for two weeks to measure sleep duration, efficiency, and timing. Caregivers also completed daily electronic diaries reporting stressors (severity, management strategies, perceived effectiveness) and toddler sleep location. Generalized Linear Models using GEEs assessed associations between caregiver stress, toddler sleep location, and dyadic sleep, adjusting for demographics. Results Caregivers (90% mothers; 48% Black; 83% 75k annual income) slept an average of 417. 12 minutes/night (SD=76. 88), with 83% sleep efficiency (SD=5. 64) and an 11: 15pm bedtime. Toddlers (57% male; mean age 2. 36 years, SD=1. 01) slept an average of 537. 68 minutes/night (SD=87. 47), with 88% sleep efficiency (SD=6. 7), a 10: 20pm bedtime, and 42% bedshared. One-quarter of caregivers reported family/parenting issues as their primary stressor, and 25% reported moderate-to-high daily stress. Up to 90% used healthy stress-management strategies (e. g. , mindfulness, distraction), though 44% found them ineffective. Higher-income families (75k) were less likely to bedshare (OR=–2. 47, p=0. 003) compared to lower-income, and toddler males were more likely to bedshare (OR=2. 40, p=0. 003) compared to females. Experiencing mild, moderate, or high stress was associated with greater odds of bedsharing (OR=0. 6–0. 9, all p 0. 05) compared with no stress. Stress-management effectiveness was not associated with bedsharing. Nightly bedsharing was also not associated with caregiver or toddler sleep outcomes. Conclusion Caregiver stress was associated with increased odds of bedsharing, regardless of how effectively caregivers managed their stress. Bedsharing was not linked to caregiver or toddler sleep health. Future work should explore caregivers’ motivations for bedsharing in toddlerhood and contextual contributors such as limited living space and housing instability. Support (if any) Rockefeller University Heilbrunn Family Center for Research Nursing (#UL1TR001866) ; Institutional Development Award from NIH NIGMS (#U54-GM104941).
Covington et al. (2026) studied this question.