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The Guardian World1 min read
'Lives still at risk' from unregulated baby sleep industry after BBC investigation
TL;DR
A BBC investigation reveals that the unregulated baby sleep industry poses risks to infants, prompting MPs to call for mandatory training and background checks for sleep consultants. The debate highlights the need for a regulatory framework to protect families from dangerous advice.
Key points
- Unregulated baby sleep industry poses risks to infants
- MPs call for mandatory training and background checks
- BBC investigation revealed dangerous advice from sleep experts
- Need for a regulatory framework to protect families
- Industry described as the 'Wild West' by MPs
Lives are "still at risk" from the unregulated baby sleep industry, a parliament debate was told last night.
MPs are now urging the government to set out a timeline for legislation to make training and background checks compulsory, in the wake of a BBC investigation.
Labour MP Connor Rand described the industry as the "Wild West" and called for the introduction of "mandatory safeguarding and qualification standards" for everyone providing paid support to families.
The debate comes after secret filming by the BBC revealed how some self-described baby sleep experts have been giving parents dangerous advice that medical professionals say could increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids).
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Morrison said the government needs "a proper regulatory framework to make sure these charlatans that are putting out bogus sleep advice on social media... are held to account."
Health Minister Karin Smyth said "public safety is and has to remain the top priority".
Rand said the death of Madison Bruce Smith - a baby in his Altrincham and Sale West constituency - had shown the real-world consequences of allowing unqualified practitioners.
The MP, who led the debate, has set out a series of recommendations as the government considers regulating the sector.
These include the introduction of mandatory minimum safeguarding and paediatric qualification standards, backed by the National Nanny Association and The Lullaby Trust.
Rand also called for mandatory enhanced DBS background checks for all individuals working with children - including nannies, maternity nurses, infant sleep consultants and childcare professionals working in private homes.
He highlighted the gap in postnatal support for new parents and urged the government to set out plans to invest in health visitor services.
He said the "infant sleep industry has boomed... as the support that used to be provided by the state has been stripped back."
Conservative MP Robbie Moore said he "absolutely backs all of the calls" Rand put forward in his speech, emphasising that he wants to see regulation for nannies, as well as maternity nurses and those working in infant sleep.
Allie Bell and Maria Culley from the National Nanny Association say they hope the debate is the "start of meaningful reform" and the start of regulation for maternity nurses, nannies and the wider baby sleep industry.
"Families deserve clarity about the qualifications, training and safeguarding standards of those caring for their children, particularly during the earliest and most vulnerable stages of a child's life," Bell and Culley told the BBC.
Q&A
What risks does the unregulated baby sleep industry pose?
The unregulated baby sleep industry poses risks such as providing dangerous advice that could increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
What did the BBC investigation reveal about baby sleep experts?
The investigation revealed that some self-described baby sleep experts give parents dangerous advice that medical professionals warn against.
What are MPs proposing to improve safety in the baby sleep industry?
MPs are urging the government to establish mandatory safeguarding and qualification standards, along with compulsory training and background checks for sleep consultants.
Why do MPs describe the baby sleep industry as the 'Wild West'?
MPs describe the baby sleep industry as the 'Wild West' due to its lack of regulation and oversight, allowing unqualified individuals to provide potentially harmful advice.
