In a suspected case of accidental suffocation, a 12-day-old baby girl died in her mother’s arms after the latter fell asleep while breastfeeding the child on Monday morning, Sharjah Police said on Wednesday.

The baby was found motionless after family members saw blood coming from the child’s nose as the mother, an Arab national, slept. The mother was exhausted after delivering the child, a relative said, adding that she had not slept the previous night as the baby kept crying.

The baby and the mother were taken to the hospital around 11.45am on Monday but the child was pronounced dead.

The mother was admitted to the hospital as she collapsed.

The police have launched an investigation and ordered the body to be transferred to the forensic laboratory for autopsy.

Authorities believe the baby might have died of accidental suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome but the forensic examiner will determine the exact cause of death.

To avoid such incidents, doctors say babies must be kept in the crib next to the mother’s bed.

Also, infants should sleep without blankets, pillows or toys around them. The sleep surface should also be firm and bedding should be stretched tight across the mattress to avoid excess fabric.

Share This Post