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Advice on safer sleeping
for babies
PARENTS across Merseyside are being
reminded about the importance of 'Safer Sleeping for Baby' during Safer
Sleep Week, running from 14 March to 20 March 2016.
Each year, up to 300 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly in their sleep as
a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; and the north west has the
highest rate in England and Wales.
The Lullaby Trust and Merseyside Safeguarding Childrens Boards will be
heightening awareness of the issue and letting people know how to reduce the
chance of it occurring. The week will see promotional activities at Children's Centres, staff
awareness raising, social media messages and special workshops.
It builds on a campaign commissioned last year by Merseyside Child Death
Overview Panel (CDOP) to tackle an issue which has caused an average of 5
deaths each year for the last 5 years across the region. 'Safer Sleep for Baby' is based around 6 simple steps, that will help
parents and carers keep their baby safe:-
1. Keep baby away from smoke, before and after birth.
2. Put baby in a cot, crib or Moses basket to sleep - never fall asleep with
them on a sofa or chair.
3. Never fall asleep with baby after drinking or taking drugs/medication.
4. Put baby to sleep on their back with their feet to the foot of the cot.
5. Keep baby's head and face uncovered and make sure they don't get too hot.
6. Breastfeed your baby - support is available if you need it.
Debbie Hammersley, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children and Chair of
the Safe Sleep group, said:- "There are a few very simple steps that
parents can take which dramatically reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome. Safer Sleep Week offers an opportunity to remind people what they
can do and the support that is out there to give them assistance."
Safer sleep messages are also available from midwives, health visitors and
children's centre staff in a variety of forms such as cot cards, room
thermometers, bookmarks, postcards and posters. More information is
available
online
or by searching for the hash tag #safersleepweek on Twitter. |
