Parents have been warned not to cover babies in blankets or sleep in bed with them to keep warm this winter.
Families may struggle to keep the heating on as huge energy bills land on the doorstep – but must be careful not to put infants at risk of cot death.
Cot death, known as sudden infant death syndrome, happens to around 200 babies every year in the UK.
Having their head covered in bed or getting too hot or cold raises the risk of the horrific event.
A report by Sir Michael Marmot, from University College London, said 55 per cent of UK households will be forced into fuel poverty this year – affecting millions of children.
Many will spend the winter in cold homes as parents struggle to afford heating bills.
Professor Ian Sinha, a doctor at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, said: “We’ve had to say don’t wrap your baby up in lots of layers because we know that that is a risk for cot death.
“Try not to sleep in bed with your baby – people are saying let’s all cuddle together to keep warm but, again, it’s one of the key risk factors for cot death.”
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Kate Holmes, from baby charity the Lullaby Trust, said: “During the winter months, firmly tucked in sheets and blankets below shoulder height, or a well-fitted baby sleep bag, are fine for babies to sleep in.
“It’s important for parents to regularly check their baby’s neck or their chest for signs they are too hot or too cold.
“If their baby is too cool, they should add an extra layer of clothing.”
Prof Sinha said the answer to cold housing is helping families so they have enough money to pay for the heating.
Parents should seek help from their council, children’s centres or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau if they cannot afford to keep the heat on.
Children could suffer lung infections or fall behind on development and schooling because of their parents’ stress at making ends meet, the experts said.
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Sir Michael added: “Growing up in a cold home with mould and damp will damage children’s lungs and bring a greater likelihood of infection.
“And if parents are struggling to make ends meet that puts them under high levels of stress, increasing the risk of mental illness in turn damaging children’s health and development.”
