Parents warned at inquests about dangers of sleeping with children

A MOTHER woke to find her baby dead beside her after ringing in the New Year with half a bottle of champagne, a couple of beers, a quarter of an ecstasy tablet and cannabis.

The dangers of babies sleeping with their parents was highlighted yesterday at inquests into the sudden deaths of three infants - all in their parents’ beds.

The coroner, Deborah Malcolm, said she realised the mother who had taken alcohol and drugs had been celebrating New Year’s Eve but stressed: “I think what one always has to remember is there can be no days off when there is a baby in the house. Drink and drugs must not be taken by those responsible for a baby.”