TEES parents and carers are being reminded to take some simple steps to help keep their babies safe every time they go to sleep.
The advice is part of Safer Sleep week, organised by the Lullaby Trust from March 14 to 20, which aims to ensure parents and carers know the importance of safer sleep, and are aware of how to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
As part of the week, The Lullaby Trust will launch a new Safer Sleep for Babies animation, to raise awareness, particularly amongst young parents of the charity’s Safer Sleep for Babies message.
Safer Sleep Week is being supported by the by the four Local Safeguarding Children Boards, Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool.
Dr. Toks Sangowawa, Chair of the Tees Child Death Overview Panel, said:
“We hope that through supporting Safe Sleep Week we will encourage parents and carers to access information, support and guidelines on safer sleeping.
“Simple guidance such as never sleeping on a sofa with your baby or trying to avoid your baby getting too hot can make all the difference.
“The Safer Sleep for Babies animation is also a great tool to help equip parents and carers with the knowledge they need to ensure their baby is sleeping as safely as possible.”
To ensure a safer sleep make sure your baby is on their back, use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition and place your baby in a separate cot in the same room as you for the first six months.
Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth and also make sure that you take them out of the car seat after finishing your journey.
For more information and to view the Safer Sleep for Babies animation visithttp://www.lullabytrust.org.uk