A mother has spoken of the tragic death of her eight-week-old daughter after they fell asleep together on a sofa. Dawn Barclay, from Forfar, woke to find Fern had stopped breathing following a nap in 2014.
Ms Barclay said she had taken precautions when co-sleeping in bed, such as removing pillows and ensuring her daughter was on her back. However, the fatal incident occurred on a sofa, a practice experts warn against.
A coroner's report later revealed Fern had suffered brain damage at birth that may have caused her breathing to stop. Her death certificate was changed from inconclusive to 'sudden unexpected death in infancy associated with co-sleeping', a ruling Ms Barclay disputes.
The Victoria Derbyshire programme found that many parents who co-sleep do not inform health visitors due to fear of judgment. Experts are concerned this prevents the sharing of safety guidance.
Official advice states that the safest place for a baby to sleep in the first six months is in a cot in the same room as the parent. The Department of Health and NICE warn of increased risks of sudden infant death syndrome (Sids) when co-sleeping, particularly on sofas.
First-time mother Shona Haigh, who co-sleeps with her four-month-old daughter Ava, said she has received no advice on how to do so safely. She described co-sleeping as 'completely natural' but acknowledged the lack of guidance.
