The Clinical Research Centre (CRC) at Perak conducted a study to see how common this behaviour is and if we could advice parents to change their practises. We initially followed up 95 mothers who had just given birth. One week later we called them to check their family sleeping behaviour. 61 per cent of these parents were sleeping in the same bed as their baby.

We then followed up another group of 95 mothers who had just given birth. This time we asked them their planned sleeping behaviour before they were discharged from the hospital. Again 61 per cent said they planned to sleep with their baby in the same bed. We then explained to them the risks of suffocation and advised on room sharing and not to bed share. We advised for the baby to be in a cot beside them, or on a separate mattress on the floor. One week later we called them to check their family sleeping behaviour. It was rewarding to note that only 38 per cent of these parents were sleeping in the same bed as their baby. This means that a sizeable number of parents had changed their plans from bed sharing to room sharing. This was an encouraging change and showed that many parents were not previously aware of the risks of bed sharing.

In international data and studies, 15-20 per cent of unexplained deaths in young children are attributed to bed sharing. This is easily prevented. We hope the media can help communicate this message to our public and assist in behaviour change. The key message for families with young children is “Room Share, Don’t Bed Share”. We have attached an educational leaflet for parents for dissemination. We also hope all healthcare professionals who work with pregnant mothers and young children can communicate this important message.

Children are precious to all of us.

The death of one child due to a parent rolling over them or accidentally smothering them is a tragedy. This simple message “Room Share, Don’t Bed Share” may save a child’s life. We hope you’ll share it with others.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.