HSE in danger warning to parents who bring their children into their beds

The HSE has issued a warning to parents who allow their baby to sleep in their bed, reminding them that "the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in the same room as you."

The HSE website issues advice on co-sleeping, warning parents to avoid the practice due to a number of dangers.

The advice states: "A separate cot in your room is the safest place for your baby to sleep. Bed sharing or co-sleeping in the same bed can be dangerous. It can increase your baby’s risk of suffocation or cot death.

Suffocation can happen when your baby: slips under the bed covers, rolls under an adult, gets trapped between the bed and the wall, falls out of the bed."

"Your baby should not share a bed with your other children," it continues.

"The advice further states: "Do not share a bed with your baby, if you or your partner: are smokers, have taken alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal) or medicines that can make you drowsy, are over tired, your baby is less than 3 months old, was premature (born before 37 weeks), had a low birth weight - less than 2.5kg (kilograms) or 5.5lbs (pounds).

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"The risk of cot death is higher for babies who sleep in a separate room. Keep your baby's cot in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months."

In terms of cot safety, the HSE advises that you "make sure the cot is in good condition and correctly assembled.

"The mattress should be clean, firm and flat with no rips. It should fit the cot. An uneven mattress could allow your baby to roll onto their side and tummy.

"There is a risk your baby could get trapped in a gap between the mattress and the edge of the cot if the mattress does not fit properly. This could lead to suffocation.

"Do not use sleep positioners and other similar products. They do not prevent cot death or flathead syndrome (plagiocephaly), and are a suffocation risk.

"Pillows and cushions should not be in the cot as they could suffocate your baby.

"Do not use them to elevate your baby's head during sleep. This does not reduce reflux and is not recommended.

"Keep the cot clear of all objects Do not have any soft objects and anything loose or fluffy in your baby's cot. This includes: cot bumpers, blankets, duvets, toys, teddies, wedges and bedding rolls. These objects could suffocate or smother your baby," the website states.

Further information on safe sleeping for your baby can be found on the HSE website.