Baby bed sharing ''not the reason for cot death''
28/10/2011
Babies who are smothered or suffer cot death when they sleep in their parents' bed do not die simply because they share a bed with another person, a leading expert has claimed.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, University of Cape Town's Dr Nils Bergman suggested infant deaths in their sleep are not caused "because the mother is present".
He added: "It is because of other things: toxic fumes, cigarettes, alcohol, big pillows and dangerous toys."
In fact, Dr Bergman believes that if mothers do not share their bed with their child, the infant may struggle to bond, which could lead to behavioural problems later in childhood and adolescence.
Earlier this week, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) suggested that doctors need to be more proactive in their communication of best practice guidelines on infant sleep safety, and should seek to better understand parental behaviours.
This will better help them to address barriers to adopting best practice among parents, according to AAP's Dr Rachel Moon.
Posted by Michael Ewing
