03/07/2014

New Warnings Over Dangers Of Falling Asleep With Babies

The National Institute For Clinical Excellence (Nice) has launched new warnings over the dangers of parents falling asleep with babies less than a year old.

Current advice warns parents not to 'co-sleep' with babies until they are six to eight weeks old. However, new research claims that the risk to babies sleeping with their parents continues until they are at least one year old.

Nice's clinical practice director, Professor Mark Baker said: "Falling asleep with a baby, whether that's in a bed or on a sofa or chair, is risky. We recognise that some parents may choose to share a bed with their baby because it could make breastfeeding easier, or for cultural reasons.

"Or they may be forced to co-sleep because they may not have the space or money for a cot. This is why it's so important for parents to understand what the risks are."

Almost 250 babies die every year from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in England and Wales, but although the factors are becoming clearer, doctors do not understand yet what causes the death.

The risk of the babies suddenly death while sharing bed with parents is higher if they have drunk alcohol, taken drugs or smoked.

(CVS/MH)

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