Infant sleep location on the postnatal ward 

29 November 2006

Comment from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths on the Archive of Diseases in Childhood paper by H. L. Ball et al on infant sleep location on the postnatal ward.

Babies should sleep close to their parents, ideally within touching distance, to reduce the risk of cot death, but research shows that they should not sleep in the same bed as their parents, especially in the first three months after birth.

Side-car cribs may be a useful idea in a hospital ward but it is not known whether these cribs can be safely used in the home.

There are documented risks of accidental deaths associated with sleeping in the same bed as your baby, including suffocation and head injuries.

This is why we recommend that the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you.


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Nicola Peckett, Communications Manager, 020 7227 5212 or out of hours 07981 899 827
Stacey Kerr, Communications Officer, 020 7227 5210


Notes to editors:

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.

FSID runs a Helpline (020 7233 2090) for parents and professionals seeking advice on safe baby care. The Helpline also supports bereaved families.

 

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