A Stuff news report details the possible dangers of using certain medications, such as medication containing promethazine, to help babies sleep.

Desperate parents seeking a quick fix to their baby’s sleep issues are being warned against resorting to drugs.

Medication containing promethazine, such as Phenergan Elixir, which is an antihistamine for children over two, is being used by some parents to make their babies drowsy at bedtime.

The drug can have harmful side effects when not used correctly, some potentially fatal.

Baby Sleep Consultant founder Emma Purdue said one of her sleep consultants had noticed the issue recently and expressed concern.

“We have parents asking us about this all the time. We would say go and speak to your doctor about this and definitely never use it for babies.”

Read the full story at www.stuff.co.nz