Duvets raise cot death risk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Duvets and quilts should not be used for babies under the age of one year because of the risk that they will cover their faces and obstruct their breathing, doctors warn.
A study of 100 families of babies who died from cot death found that the use of a duvet or bed quilt increased threefold the risk of the baby dying. The increased risk applied only if the baby slept on its back - the recommended position - or side, and not when it slept on its front.
The authors of the study, which was conducted in Tasmania and is published in the British Medical Journal, say that when babies reach the age of 16 weeks they can pull bedclothes over their faces and may move their sleeping position. Duvets do not tuck in whereas blankets, which do and are therefore secured, are less likely to be pulled over the face.
Parents have been advised to put their babies to sleep on their backs since the start of the decade and the number of cot deaths has more than halved. Tucking them into bed with blankets rather than laying a duvet over them further reduces the risk during the vulnerable first year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments