A Scottish cot death charity have warned parents of the serious risks of putting a face covering on their baby.
The Scottish Cot Death Trust took to social media today after receiving a report from leading health visitors that strongly advised children under the age of five to not wear a mask.
This week, it will become mandatory to wear a covering whilst in shops, with the same rule already applied on public transport in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
However, the charity have now urged parents not to put the coverings on their babies and toddlers as there is a high risk of suffocation.
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In a post today, the trust said they have had reports that health staff "are witnessing more babies wearing face coverings".
Although it is now mandatory in certain places in Scotland, there are a list of exemptions, including children under the age of five.
These exemptions include:
- Children under the age of five
- Children over the age of five who suffer from breathing difficulties or disabled children
- Those with a relevant health condition
- Those who have difficulty communicating (in relation to speech and language)
- Those who will find wearing a face covering causes pain, severe distress or anxiety
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According to the Scottish Government, wearing a face covering can "provide some level of protection against transmission to other people in close proximity, especially for those who may be more at risk."
