Rochdale health experts back campaign to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
The ‘Safer Sleep Week’ campaign aims to raise awareness of SIDS and equip parents and carers with information about how to reduce the risk to their children
Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire.
Health experts across the borough are backing a campaign which is aimed at reducing the number of babies who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
As part of ‘Safer Sleep Week’ (March 14-20), run by the Lullaby Trust, Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership (RBSCP) and partners are promoting safer sleep for babies.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of SIDS and equip parents and carers with information about how to reduce the risk to their children.
Greater awareness of safer sleep leads to a decrease in the numbers of babies dying. Sadly an average of four babies a week die from SIDS. But making parents aware of the various risk factors that can contribute to the chances of an infant or child dying suddenly, has a huge impact.
Alison Kelly, chief nurse and associate director quality and safeguarding, NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Not all infant deaths are preventable but it’s vital that we do all we can to reduce the risk of those that are.
“By following this helpful advice you’ll be doing everything possible to reduce the risk of SIDS in your child.
“We encourage anyone caring for a new baby to follow safer sleep advice and seek help from their midwife, health visitor or GP if you have any concerns.”
The key messages for parents are:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep
- Keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth
- Place your baby to sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition
- Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
- Avoid letting your baby get too hot
- Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding
- Don’t sleep your baby on a pod or nest or give them a pillow. Babies should not have anything soft around their heads while sleeping.
Further support and information can be found on the RBSCP webpage: www.rochdalesafeguarding.com/p/safeguarding-for-children/safer-sleep-for-babies, the Lullaby Trust website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk/ and on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/.
