Regulation Urged for Sleep Consultants Amid Safety Fears

Concerns are mounting over the lack of regulation for self-proclaimed sleep experts, leaving vulnerable new parents at risk of receiving unsafe advice. Emily Aston, a new mother, shared her distress after receiving sleep guidance that conflicted with established safe sleep practices, highlighting the absence of a regulatory body to report such issues.

Midwife Olivia Hinge noted that while these experts offer personalized attention often lacking in the NHS, the gap in support should not be filled by unqualified individuals providing dangerous information. The urgent need for regulation is amplified by cases like that of Genevieve Meehan, a nine-month-old baby who died after being improperly swaddled and left unattended.

Campaign for Gigi, established by Genevieve's parents, advocates for enhanced safety measures in early years settings. Their efforts have contributed to updated safer-sleep guidance for early-years providers, set to become statutory in September 2026. However, advocates argue that a more immediate crackdown on bogus advice is necessary, especially as misusing the title 'nurse' is being addressed.