Young babies who sleep in an adult bed with parents are at increased risk of sudden infant death, even if their parents are non-smokers. This is the finding of a new Scottish study, published today in the Journal of Pediatrics.

The case-control study was carried out at Glasgow University between 1996-2000 and was funded by The Scottish Cot Death Trust. It revealed that babies under 11 weeks of age who are taken into bed to sleep with parents are at increased risk of Cot Death, even if the parents are non-smokers and the baby is breastfed.

Dr John McClure, Chairman of the Scottish Cot Death Trust said, "Until recently it was thought that bedsharing was a risk only if parents were smokers. This new study confirms a significant risk for young babies, whether or not parents smoke".

"Our advice to parents is that while it's fine to have your baby in bed to feed or cuddle, you should put the baby back in his or her own cot or crib in your room before you go to sleep. This is particularly important in the first three months of life as the risk diminishes sharply after that age".

The study also confirmed that an adult sleeping with a baby on a couch or chair puts the baby at increased risk of death. Hazel Brooke, Executive Director of the Scottish Cot Death Trust, said, "What we don't want is for parents to avoid bedsharing but to start sleeping on a couch or chair with the baby instead ﾖ that is extremely unsafe. The message is quite clear - The safest place for a baby to sleep is in his/her own cot in the same room as the parents for the first six months".

Interview opportunities are available with:

? Hazel Brooke, Executive Director, SCDT, on 0141 357 3946 or 0141 942 7942

? Dr Tappin, first author of the study, is currently in Australia but can be contacted today on 00 61 383 414777 between 9 am and 2pm

? Dr John McClure, Chairman, SCDT on 0141 357 3946

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Cot Death) is the biggest single cause of death in infants over one year of age. Each year in the UK 350-450 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. After careful investigation, including a post mortem examination, 80% of these will remain unexplained.

29 unexplained Cot Deaths occurred in Scotland last year.

    Although Cot Death cannot be prevented, the risk can be greatly reduced if parents follow the advice below:
  • Place your baby on the back to sleep
  • Cut smoking in pregnancy ? fathers too!
  • Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
  • Do not let your baby get too hot
  • Keep your baby?s head uncovered ? place your baby in the ?feet to foot? position
  • The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your room for the first six months.
  • If your baby is unwell, seek prompt advice
For further information contact Hazel Brooke on 0141 357 3946 or 0141 942 7942

First published: 8 July 2005

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