Northampton mother pays tribute to six-month old 'beautiful' baby daughter who tragically died

A Northampton mother has paid tribute to her 'beautiful baby' daughter who died at the age of six months old following a tragic incident where she fell off a double bed.

She was born on December 5, 2019, and died on June 15, 2020, after falling from her mother's double bed while sleeping at home in Northampton.

The baby's mother paid tribute to her daughter at an inquest Northampton town centre today (Thursday, April 29).

The mum said: "She was the most beautiful baby and I never knew what love was until she arrived in the world.

"She was a very happy, healthy baby and she would often smile and laugh. She was healthy and well in herself the week before her death.

"I am totally devastated and shocked by the loss of my daughter. The pain is unbearable. I deeply regret placing her in my double bed.

"She will always be remembered and loved."

The mum added that she would never see the woman her daughter would grow up to be.

The inquest heard how the mum had placed her daughter in her cot the night before and fed her throughout the night and in the early hours of the morning.

When the baby woke up again in the morning of June 15, the mum placed her into her own double bed and placed pillows around her to stop her from falling off. However, the mum then woke up at 11.38am to find her daughter on the floor.

She said: "We both fell asleep and I woke up. When I opened my eyes I realised [my baby] was gone. I knew in my heart she was dead. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life."

The mother added that she immediately called for an ambulance and paramedics 'did everything they could' to save her daughter, but it was too late.

Specialist paediatrician Frances Hollingbury told the inquest she was unable to say why or how the baby died and therefore gave a cause of death as unascertained.

The paediatrician added: "There was no evidence of lack of care or neglect. No concerns regarding the baby's care while she was alive."

Senior coroner Anne Pember said parents should be aware of sleeping with their babies as it is not a "safe sleeping environment".

The coroner recorded an open conclusion.