Parents of infant who died in nursery say unsafe sleep practices may be widespread across England

Katie and John Meehan, whose nine-month-old daughter die…

Katie and John Meehan, whose nine-month-old daughter died after being put down for a nap in a hazardous position at a daycare center, have voiced concerns that such negligence could be far more common than previously thought.

The couple’s daughter, Genevieve, suffocated in May 2022 while strapped face-down on a beanbag for one hour and 37 minutes at a nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The tragedy prompted the Meehans to launch a safety campaign, and they now say the initial responses they have received suggest the problem is not isolated.

Speaking about their efforts, the couple described a pattern of worrying accounts from other families and childcare workers, indicating that unsafe sleeping arrangements may be prevalent across the country. They believe their campaign’s findings should serve as a wake-up call for the entire sector.

Genevieve’s death led to an investigation that uncovered

Genevieve’s death led to an investigation that uncovered failings at the nursery, but the Meehans argue that systemic issues remain unaddressed. They are calling for stricter regulations, better training for staff, and mandatory reporting of any unsafe practices.

In their view, the tragedy is not just a personal loss but a signal that current safeguards are inadequate. The couple hopes their campaign will push lawmakers and childcare providers to act before another family endures the same heartbreak.

The Meehans have urged parents to remain vigilant and to question nursery policies on sleeping positions, emphasizing that even seemingly minor oversights can have devastating consequences.