Dangerous baby-sleep advice given to parents by self-described experts, secret filming reveals

Dangerous baby-sleep advice given to parents by self-described experts, secret filming revealsJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleDivya Talwar,Marthe de FerrerandAmy Johnston,BBC News InvestigationsUndercover filming reveals baby sleep advice given by Alison Scott-WrightSome self-described infant sleep experts are giving advice that could put babies at risk of serious harm and even death, medical professionals have told a BBC investigation.We secretly filmed one of them advising our reporter to put a newborn to sleep on its front, a practice proven to significantly increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (Sids).The NHS advises to "always place your baby on their back to sleep" in their own sleep space, like a cot, for the first 12 months to reduce the risk of Sids. The mattress should be firm, flat and waterproof.A second self-defined expert recommended placing towels in the infant's cot - a practice The Lullaby Trust, a baby safety charity, says also increases the risk of Sids and "accidental death".Medical professionals who watched our undercover footage said moments had left them feeling "sick" and "horrified".Infant-sleep consulting is a growing unregulated industry, they say, fuelled by limited post-natal support for new parents. And while they acknowledge many individuals provide valuable and safe sleep advice, they warn there is also a "dark side".Baby "sleep experts" are popular on social media and members of our investigation team have also had first-hand experience of the sector.Dozens of parents have raised concerns with the BBC.Many of them flagged two women who they had paid for "consulting" advice - Alison Scott-Wright and Lisa Clegg. Both have large Instagram followings, celebrity endorsements and published books.Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Contact Divya and the team at: ParentingInvestigation@bbc.co.ukThe advice given by Scott-Wr...