The Quebec Coroner’s Office is urging the Quebec health ministry to establish guidelines on infant bed-sharing, commonly known as co-sleeping, following the tragic death of a 26-day-old baby due to asphyxiation last January.
Coroner Daniel Riverin, in a recent report, has called for the Quebec public health institute (INSPQ) to create informative materials regarding the benefits and risks associated with co-sleeping on their perinatal information portal. Riverin also emphasized the importance of conducting an awareness campaign targeting both healthcare professionals and parents once these guidelines are in place.
Citing a study by Statistics Canada conducted between 2015 and 2016, Riverin highlighted that 33% of mothers reported frequent co-sleeping practices while 27% did so occasionally within the previous five years. He underscored the need for clear guidance on co-sleeping due to ongoing uncertainties among community workers and healthcare providers regarding its advantages, such as aiding breastfeeding, and potential risks.
These recommendations stem from an investigation into the tragic death of a 26-day-old infant in Trois-Rivières in January 2025. The incident involved a mother placing her baby in bed surrounded by pillows after bottle-feeding, as part of her routine since birth. The next morning, the mother discovered the baby unresponsive and cold.
Upon calling 911, the mother was instructed to perform CPR until paramedics arrived. However, upon their arrival, they found the baby unconscious, turning blue, with no heartbeat, making resuscitation efforts challenging due to the baby’s stiffened body. Despite efforts by doctors at the Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire régional de Trois-Rivières (CHAURTR) emergency room, the baby was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased.
