One in six babies put at risk by smoking parents

One in six babies is put at risk of cot death because the parents are smokers and share a bed with their child, a survey has found.

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths launches a campaign today saying the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot in the parents' bedroom for the first six months.

The survey carried out by the charity to mark Baby Safety Week found many mothers and fathers were confused about safe sleeping practices for their baby. More than nine out of 10 knew it was unsafe to share a bed with a baby if they smoked in bed but 22 per cent mistakenly thought it was safe provided they never smoked in bed.

The foundation said it made no difference where or when they smoked, the risk was still there.

Link: news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/story.jsp?story=637442