Babies sleeping in baths due to rising costs - charity

Prof Sally Pearse of Sheffield Hallam University, mum Lina Mohsen and Cat Ross, chief executive of Baby Basics

Children are sleeping in baths and on the floor because families cannot afford beds, a charity has said.

Baby Basics UK, based in Sheffield, said it heard regular "horror stories" about children's sleeping conditions.

Chief executive Cat Ross spoke out as South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard announced £2.2m of funding for the 'Beds for Babies' initiative over the next four years.

The scheme will provide a Moses basket, cot or toddler bed to any family with a child under five who needs it.

Ms Ross said: “We hear horror stories of babies sleeping in bouncy chairs, toddlers sleeping in baths and babies sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

“Some parents can't afford beds, their home isn't big enough to accommodate one or there is mould or damp which has destroyed the bed they have.

"Parents are not getting enough sleep because they are sharing a bed with one or two children.”

“We are really thrilled this investment is coming. The first five years is when a child's brain grows more than any other time in their life and sleep is so important."

‘Children need quality sleep’

Prof Sally Pearse from Sheffield Hallam University, which has partnered the project, said the cost of living had left some parents struggling.

“Families are now facing multiple challenges and insecurities with the cost of living crisis. They are worried about insecure jobs, insecure housing, fuel poverty, food poverty and a lack of basics such as a safe space to sleep," she said.

“We know if we can take away one of those immediate worries, it supports parents’ mental health and gives them the headspace to deal with some of the other challenges.”

Mother-of-three Lina Mohsen who has been supported by Baby Basics, said: "They provided a lot of support for me and sent a Moses basket full of clothes and hygiene supplies for me and for the baby.

“The price of everything has gone up so they give us some rest from thinking about it so we can focus on paying for food and the bills.”

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