What is the purpose of a doll re-enactment in sleep-related death investigations?

The purpose of a doll re-enactment in sleep-related death investigations is to recreate the event for evidence. This technique serves as a visual and physical method to understand the circumstances surrounding a child’s death, particularly in cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other sleep-related incidents. By using dolls, investigators can simulate the sleeping environment, positioning, and other factors that might have contributed to the incident. This visual representation allows investigators to analyze the scenario in a controlled manner, offering insights that may not be as readily apparent through verbal descriptions alone.

Such re-enactments can reveal important information about the way the child was situated during sleep, potential hazards in the sleeping environment, and how the parents or caregivers interacted with the child prior to the event. This method aids in determining whether the death was accidental or if there were other contributing factors, which is critical to understanding the case and preventing future occurrences.