PARENTS are being advised not to share their beds with their babies as the city continues to see cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The Bradford Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) has sent out the advice, especially targeting parents who have been drinking, taking drugs or smoking.

The panel also warned people not to sleep with their babies on sofas and armchairs, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Avoiding co-sleeping to prevent deaths is one of the eight key recommendations from CDOP’s 2015/16 annual report.

Panel chairman Dr Shirley Brierley said: “Unfortunately, we see cases every year which involve children dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

“Although no-one knows exactly what causes SIDS, there are some known factors which are associated with an increased risk.

“No-one would want their baby to come to harm and a few simple steps could help reduce the chance of another tragedy from happening in the district.

“Make sure your baby sleeps safely by not sharing a bed with your baby, especially if you or your partner smokes, takes drugs, or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.

“It is also important not to share a bed if you have had a premature baby or a baby born with a low birth weight.

“The advice is to place your baby on their back to sleep, in his or her own cot in the same room with you.

“Place them so their feet are touching the end of the cot and never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

“Keep your home smoke-free at all times, breastfeed if you can and try not to let your baby become too hot.

“All these actions can all help to reduce the risks for your baby.”

Concerned parents can get more information online by going to NHS choices websitenhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby.

More information is also available on the UNICEF website at unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/