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Opinions of Saturday, 21 April 2018

Columnist: Eric Annan

How to keep our babies safe alone at night

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Countless number of parents around the globe due to one thing or the other have fallen victims to child lost at night following the fact that there was no former training or impacted information as to how they could prevent that unforseen tragedy.

Children in most advanced countries are left alone in their cot/bed at night to sleep in a reserved room.

Where in most instances,items(Toys) are scattered around their cot with the ideology it will grant them some sought of comfort they need.

Connie Rose is a 18 months girl who mysteriously lost her life recently. As reports and thorough investigations revealed she was stifled by a Teddy Bear placed beside her while she was asleep at night in her home in Dundee.

According to the Lullaby Trust "a clear cot is a safer cot".

The trust advises removing cot/bed bumpers, toys and loose bedding from babies' sleeping areas.

"Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot can also increase the risk of accidents," it says on its website.

"While advice on individual items is not available, it makes sense to be as cautious as possible."

The trust recommends cots are kept as clear as possible, which means:

• No pillows or duvets;

• No cot bumpers;

• No soft toys;

• No loose bedding;

• No products, such as wedges or straps, that will keep your baby in one sleeping position.