Nanny who 'killed' baby with 'antihistamine overdose' named as agency worker with 20 years experience

A nanny who was found to have 'killed' a baby with an 'overdose of antihistamines' has been identified as a professional with more than 20 years of experience in the field. When an eight-week-old baby was found unresponsive in his crib in the early hours of January 15, 2024, the Metropolitan Police found no obvious cause of death. But a toxicology report later revealed a sedative antihistamine in his bloodstream. The night nanny responsible for the boy's care has now been identified as Sandra Davidson after her name was initially redacted from a prevention of future deaths report. But Inner West London coroner's court has allowed her name to be released after the senior coroner recognised the significant public interest around the case. The coroner's court found, on the balance of probabilities, that Davidson had "administered the chlorphenamine " to "sedate the baby to sleep", who was described as an "unsettled and fussy" baby who "woke frequently." It has also been revealed that the inquest into the baby's death was told that a half empty bottle of liquid Piriton was found at Davidson's home during a police search. Davidson told the inquest, held in February, that she regularly took part in training for her role. But the infant's death has sparked calls for mandatory background checks for nannies and more oversight of the sector which, unlike other areas of childcare, remains largely unregulated. It is understood that Davidson, who has around 20 years of experience, was connected to the family through the Night Nannies agency. The agency does not employ nannies directly, but works with self-employed nannies engaged by parents. Nannies are required to show ten references, an up-to-date DBS check and be first aid-trained to be affiliated with the agency. Those working with the agency are banned from administering medication. The agency told The Times it no longer works with Davidson. The agency added that it was at no point involved in the events leading to the baby's death and acted properly and responsibly at all times. It added that it extended its deepest sympathy to the baby's family and backed the coroner's recommendation for a national register of nannies. As the night nanny, Davidson was in charge of the baby's care from 9pm to 7am, with her shift ending just 45 minutes after he was found unresponsive. An ambulance was called and CPR was attempted, but sadly the baby was pronounced dead at 7am. "He was found to have no signs of injury nor neglect and his home environment was in order after scene examination," the coroner's report read. The boy slept in a bassinet in a second-floor bedroom of the family's home, with the nanny staying in the room with him. Davidson is said to have told paramedics she had fed the baby milk that night, with that information given to officers at the scene who then failed to seize bottles, despite the fact toxicology tests are routine in such situations. The police and child deaths team examined the home, but the prevention of future deaths (PFD) report raised concerns that this did not seem to include consideration that the baby may have been given a drug. According to the report, police did not check cabinets for medication or check Davidson's property. Professor Fiona Wilcox, senior coroner for Inner West London, wrote: "As such, forensic opportunities were missed that may have been able to establish that chlorphenamine had been administered by the night nanny to the criminal standard." There were also concerns raised by a court filing that this failure could have meant evidence was lost and lines of enquiry could not be followed which may have shown how the antihistamine got into the baby's bloodstream. The detective inspector in charge of the case told the inquest that the baby's home environment did not raise any obvious concerns, but accepted that it would have been reasonable to check medicines in the home or in possession of those caring for the child, including the nanny. Davidson was not arrested or interviewed and her home was not searched until October that year, by which time "all forensic opportunities had been lost", according to the report. As a result, the cause of the baby's death was listed as sudden unexpected death in infancy. Evidence was given at the inquest that chlorphenamine causes a sedative effect and due to its association with child deaths should not be given to a baby so young. The court accepted expert opinon that the drug could have possibly caused or contributed to the baby's death, but it could not be found that it probably did. Ms Wilcox wrote: "The court was satisfied that the night nanny had administered the chlorphenamine (trade name usually Piriton) to [the baby]. The baby had been described as unsettled and fussy and a baby who woke frequently in the night. The chlorphenamine was probably administered to sedate the baby to sleep." The Metropolitan Police said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of the baby following the conclusion of the inquest into their death. We are in the process of formally responding to the concerns raised by the coroner and cannot provide further comment at this stage." While the nanny industry remains largely unregulated, there are calls for mandatory background checks, standardised training with minimum requirements including first aid, child development and safeguarding, and for ongoing professional development. The National Nanny Association has also called for a national registry to be created which parents can use to verify their nanny is registered and has all the necessary qualifications. "This tragedy must not be dismissed as an isolated incident. It is part of a wider, systemic issue that has gone unaddressed for too long," said the association. Alice Bell, the association's co-founder, said: "While the majority of nannies are passionate, responsible, knowledgeable carers, there will always be some that aren't. In an unregulated sector, some may not be keeping up with continuous professional development and now children are dying."