He said: “Over the last six months there have been a number of instances of accidental suffocation of babies as a result of parents falling asleep and rolling over on the child, or where the child has become trapped in the bed or in a sofa.
“The risks can be reduced. It is important that all parents remember not to share a bed with your baby if you have recently drunk alcohol, taken medication or drugs that make you drowsy or sleep more heavily, or if you are a smoker - even if you never smoke in bed.
“Sharing a bed with your baby carries the risk that you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby, or that your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured. Also, never sleep with a baby on a sofa or an armchair.”
Dr. McBride added: “The safest place for your baby to sleep is on its back in a cot in a room with you for the first six months.“
Notes to Editors:
1. The instances of accidental suffocation of babies have generally been related to infants being fed by a parent and brought into bed with them. Alcohol has been a factor in some cases, though the risk exists to some degree in other circumstances when a baby is brought into bed.
2. If a child is taken to bed, the following should be considered:
Adult beds are not designed for babies. To prevent your baby overheating, suffocating or becoming trapped:
- The mattress must be firm and flat – waterbeds, bean bags and sagging mattresses are not suitable;
- Make sure that your baby can’t fall out of bed or get stuck between the mattress and the wall;
- The room must not be too hot (16-18°C is ideal);
- Your baby should not be overdressed – he should not wear any more clothes than you would wear in bed yourself.
- The covers must not overheat the baby or cover the baby’s head;
- Your baby must not be left alone in or on the bed as even very young babies can wriggle into dangerous positions;
- Your partner should know if your baby is in the bed;
- If an older child is also sharing your bed, you or your partner should stay between the child and the baby.
- Pets should not share a bed with your baby.
3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
