SINGAPORE – A coroner has suggested that the sleeping position of a two-month-old baby, found lifeless in her family's Bukit Batok home, may have contributed to her untimely demise. In a ruling on November 15, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda declared an open verdict, stating that while the exact cause of Nur Misha Syaifa Mustaqim's death on December 3, 2022, could not be determined, there was no indication of foul play or ill-intent by the parents.

The father, Mr. Mustaqim Rosli, a food delivery driver, faced charges of causing his daughter's death by suffocating her with a pillow, but these charges were dismissed without prejudice after a pre-trial conference held in November 2023. He and his wife, a housewife known as Madam Siti, shared their apartment with their two older sons.

Tragedy struck in the early hours of December 3, when paramedics arrived to find Nur Misha unresponsive, with her lips blue and her body cold. Conflicting statements from her parents raised questions during the investigation. Initially, Madam Siti accused Mr. Mustaqim of suffocating the baby but later recanted, asserting that her accusations stemmed from overwhelming grief and confusion.

The pair had been arguing about their daughter's sleeping position shortly before the fatal incident. Mr. Mustaqim admitted to placing Nur Misha in a prone position, believing it would help her sleep better after she had been crying. Despite earlier assurances that she was breathing normally, he soon discovered her lifeless body when he awoke to the sounds of his older children playing.

Witness testimonies highlighted the risks associated with placing infants on their stomachs to sleep. State Coroner Nakhoda emphasized that infants should always be laid on their backs to reduce the risk of asphyxiation, particularly noting that the positioning of Nur Misha created a precarious situation where her mouth and nose could have been pressed against the mattress.

According to the coroner, although it was impossible to pinpoint the precise moment of Nur Misha's death, the critical factor remained her placement in a prone position before she became unresponsive.

In an emotional statement after the verdict, Nur Misha's grandfather, Mr. Abdul Kadir, reflected on the profound loss felt by their family. He described his granddaughter as a "happy baby" who brought immense joy whenever she smiled. The profound grief of losing the first girl among a sea of grandsons has left a lasting void, with Mr. Abdul vowing to honor her memory by visiting her grave monthly and reminiscing about the joyous moments they shared.

As this heartbreaking case concludes, it serves as a critical reminder for parents and caregivers about the importance of safe sleeping practices for infants, which can mean the difference between life and tragedy. Nur Misha's story resonates as a solemn reminder to prioritize infant safety to prevent similar heartaches in the future.