Parents in Bradford are being warned not to share their beds with their babies as Christmas parties start and temperatures outside drop.

The warning comes at a time of year when some parents might drink or smoke more than usual and some might be more tempted to snuggle up in bed, on a sofa or armchair to keep warm. All those factors could increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Bradford’s Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) said people who followed the advice and avoided this kind of co-sleeping would reduce the risks.

The panel revealed that it was continuing to see cases of deaths in infants due to SIDS in the district, often where parents have been co-sleeping with their babies with additional risk factors such as drinking alcohol.

Dr Shirley Brierley, Chair of Bradford’s Child Death Overview Panel, said: “Unfortunately, we see cases every year which involve children dying from SIDS. 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.”

She added: “Make sure your baby sleeps safely by following a few simple rules. Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smokes, takes drugs, or if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.”

“Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in his or her own cot in the same room with you, with their feet touching the end of the cot.”

Information on the Lullaby Trust website says sleeping with a baby on a sofa or armchair could up the risks of SIDS by 50 times.

Dr Brierley added: “It is also important not to share a bed if you have had a premature baby or a baby with a low birth weight. 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.”

Parents wanting more safe choice information from the Lullaby Trust can go to lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/.

They can also visit NHS choices at nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/reducing-risk-cot-death.aspx or visit UNICEF’s website.