Child deaths spark New Brunswick warning against infants sleeping in adult beds

FREDERICTON — The New Brunswick government is reinforcing a warning to parents that sleeping next to their infants can be dangerous.

The Department of Social Development made the comment in a response to a report by the province’s child death review committee, which looked into the deaths of two unnamed children.

The April 11 report says adults sleeping with infants and children can be dangerous, adding that is particularly true on certain sleeping surfaces such as couches.

It also says health facilities should ensure that new parents are informed of potential dangers.

The department says in a news release that its social workers would continue to assess the living conditions of any family under its care, including the sleeping arrangements.

The Canadian Paediatric Society website says “adult beds are not designed with infant safety in mind,” and are not the safest place for babies to sleep.