Use of dummies can cut risk of cot death, British parents told

PARENTS in Britain are being advised to give dummies to newborns on the grounds that they can cut the risk of cot death.

The National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) register in Ireland does not include soothers in its most recent guidelines as it is believed more research is needed into the effects of dummies on breastfeeding, according to register researcher, Cliona McGarvey.

SIDS rates in this country have been cut by 76% since the 1980s when an average of 134 babies died from cot death each year.