The show, which screened between September 25 and October 16, compared three different childcare philosophies, as expounded by the following popular guidebooks: 'Feeding and Care of Baby', by Truby King; Dr Spock's 'Baby and Childcare'; and 'The Continuum Concept', by Jean Liedoff.
It followed five couples and a single mother, all with newborn babies, trying out the different methods. Each method was supported by a mentor. Claire Verity, a nanny with 20 years' experience, backed the Truby King method which advocates a strict regime of feeding and sleeping and recommends that cuddling is limited to 10 minutes a day.
Verity found herself a hate figure for her theories and the attitude she displayed on the show, particularly when she told a father who asked if he could kiss his daughter: "I don't want you touching it."
Her notoriety led to investigations by journalists into the details of her CV, which raised questions about her qualifications.
Ofcom said that the majority of complaints were concerned that 'Bringing Up Baby' used techniques that were unethical, abusive or neglectful, put children at risk or harm, and employed mentors who were not properly qualified.
In its ruling, Ofcom found that the broadcaster had given careful consideration to the potential impact of the methods used on the children. It said: "We have seen no evidence to suggest that due care was not taken over the physical and emotional welfare of the children, or that they were caused unnecessary distress or anxiety."
Ofcom also pointed out that none of the complaints received came from the parents involved in the programme, or from healthcare professionals who were involved with the families.
Regarding Verity's qualifications, Ofcom pointed out that she had only been described variously as a "mentor", a "1950s guru" and a "maternity nurse" and that, as its remit only covered what had been broadcast, the programme did not mislead viewers about her professional status. Channel 4 was cleared of all claims that it was in breach of the code.
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