Meeting of the Parliament 17 June 2015
The other issue that I want to address is a difficult one, because it is still a matter of debate: swaddling. In some cultures, swaddling is the natural thing to do and the established cultural approach. It is important that we understand that, because it is thought that swaddling, which increases heat, can become a factor. We know that if a child is too hot, it is a factor. Getting proper advice on swaddling is important. I know that the Scottish Cot Death Trust has advice on that.
At one point, there was a question of whether the emissions from certain types of mattresses were a factor. That has now been addressed. Having the right bedding, clothing and temperature; avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs; and not taking the baby into bed with you when there is any possibility of overlay, particularly when the baby is premature—all that sort of advice, which the Scottish Cot Death Trust has given, is extremely welcome. I hope that the trust will not have to go on for another 30 years and that we will find a solution. In the meantime, its programme, which educates the general public and supports families who have been bereaved in this way, is welcome and critical and must be supported.
13:51