Coroner Questions Safe Co-Sleeping After Newborn’s Death in Trois-Rivières

A tragic incident in January 2025 led to the death of a 26-day-old infant in Trois-Rivières. The baby was sharing a bed with his exhausted mother when the event occurred, raising serious concerns about the safety of co-sleeping practices.

Details of the Incident

The mother had fed her infant around 2 a.m. and fell asleep next to him. When she woke up more than six hours later, she found her baby unresponsive. The coroner, Daniel Riverin, reported that the autopsy revealed no signs of trauma. However, there were indications of brain changes suggesting anoxia, or lack of oxygen, prior to death.

Concerns About Co-Sleeping Safety

The coroner’s report highlights the reluctance of some parents to discuss their sleep practices due to fear of judgment. This hesitance can prevent them from receiving crucial advice on safe co-sleeping.

Recommended Safe Practices

• Keep the sleeping area clear of heavy blankets and extra pillows.
• Position the mattress on the floor rather than on an elevated platform.
• Avoid placing furniture near the sleeping surface to reduce the risk of falls.

Catherine Lessard, director of Maternaide, emphasizes that parenting choices vary greatly among families. She supports discussions surrounding safe co-sleeping to ensure well-informed decisions.

Call for Action

The coroner has made several recommendations to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. These include:

• Tasking the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec with creating a document outlining the benefits and risks of co-sleeping.
• Securing funding for the development and dissemination of this information.
• Revisiting the guidelines and information on safe sleep practices for children to better educate parents.

Official Guidelines and Recommendations

Both the Canadian Paediatric Society and Health Canada advise against co-sleeping. With proper education and open communication, families can explore safer sleep arrangements for their infants.

This complex issue continues to spark dialogue in Trois-Rivières, as agencies strive to foster an environment where parents can openly discuss and learn about co-sleeping practices.