Alert over cot death risks

Levin Coroner Phillip Comber has urged parents of young children to be aware of the dangers of tobacco smoke and using the wrong bedding.

The Coroner's Court this week held inquests into the deaths of two children thought to be due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

"There are some common factors of which parents should be aware," said Mr Comber. "One of these is second-hand smoke and a second is inappropriate bedding."

Mr Comber reserved his findings into the deaths of the children. One, a 6-month-old, died while sleeping with an older child. The other child had been placed under an adult duvet.

There was evidence of smoking in both households.

- NZPA