'Lives still at risk' from unregulated baby sleep industry after BBC investigation

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.