Fuming fans of Emmerdale have slammed the TV soap after catching new mum Tracy Metcalfe displaying some dodgy parenting
Eagle-eyed viewers spotted the character, played by Amy Walsh, leaving her newborn baby sleeping upstairs while she stayed downstairs to make a coffee.
Her parenting was branded "irresponsible" and contrary to NHS safe sleeping guidelines, which state babies must remain in the same room as their parents for the first six months of life to prevent the risks of sudden infant death syndrome.
LeedsLive reports how angry mums took to social media to criticise the ITV show for promoting unsafe sleeping.
One person posted to an Emmerdale fan group: "Ok this has been bothering me all night, Tracey in Wednesday's episode, six days after having a baby she's going for walks around the village and cooking dinner.
"Also the baby is upstairs and they're using a monitor, I know it's just a soap but safe sleeping guidelines are clear that you should be with baby in the same room until six months old.
"I know, I know it's just a soap but it sets a really bad precedent."
Fans were also concerned that Tracy being seen cooking dinner and going for walks days after giving both also sends the message to new mums that this is what they should be doing post labour.
Viewers have said the scenes are a false representation of reality and could be damaging to the mental health of new mums.
The NHS website states: "The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in the same room as you."
The Lullaby Trust website states: "The safest place for your baby to sleep is a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months, even during the day.
"A large study of evidence from across Europe found that the risk of sudden infant death was significantly reduced when the infant slept in the same room, but not the same bed, as the parents."
Other mums were quick to agree: "I thought this too!"
Another said: "It's really bad they're promoting unsafe sleeping!"
