The parents of Genevieve Meehan, who suffocated after being placed in an unsafe sleeping position at a Stockport nursery, say they fear such poor practice may be 'rife' across England.
Key facts
- Nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan died after being placed in an unsafe sleeping position at a nursery.
- She suffocated after being strapped face down to a beanbag for one hour and 37 minutes.
- The incident occurred at a nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in May 2022.
- Her parents, Katie and John Meehan, launched a campaign following her death.
- The Meehans say responses to their campaign must be a 'wake-up call'.
The parents of a nine-month-old girl who died after being placed in an unsafe sleeping position at a nursery say they fear poor practice may be “rife” across England, according to the Guardian.
Genevieve Meehan suffocated when she was strapped face down to a beanbag for one hour and 37 minutes at a nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in May 2022.
Her parents, Katie and John Meehan, launched a campaign following her death. They say the responses they have received must serve as a “wake-up call” for the childcare sector.
The couple’s concerns point to worries that the circumstances leading to their daughter’s death may not be isolated, but instead reflect wider problems in nursery settings across the country.
The Guardian reported the parents’ fears that unsafe sleeping practice may be widespread, underscoring the family’s continued push for change in the wake of Genevieve’s death.
Why it matters
The case raises questions about safety standards and sleeping practices in nurseries across England, a concern for any parent using childcare. The family's campaign highlights the potential for wider systemic issues in a sector that cares for the country's youngest children.
Frequently asked questions
How did Genevieve Meehan die?
According to the Guardian, Genevieve suffocated after she was strapped face down to a beanbag for one hour and 37 minutes at a nursery.
Where and when did the incident happen?
It occurred at a nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in May 2022.
What are Genevieve's parents calling for?
Katie and John Meehan launched a campaign after her death and say the responses must be a 'wake-up call,' warning that unsafe sleeping practice may be rife across England.