Today marks the start of Safer Sleep Week – an annual campaign raising awareness about the importance of safer sleep practices to reduce the risk of sleep related infant deaths.
Safer Sleep Week is The Lullaby Trust’s national awareness campaign to share knowledge of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and simple advice that reduces the risk of it occurring.
Sadly, around 4 babies a week in the UK die from SIDS, also known as cot death. In Wolverhampton, we want all parents and caregivers to be aware of safer sleep advice.
This year, the week long campaign runs from Monday 10 March to Sunday 16 March and aims to share life saving messages with parents and caregivers on the significance of safe sleep environments and proper care routines for infants.
Sleep is important for the health of all babies – and they need a lot of sleep during the first few months. This is why anyone caring for an infant should follow safer sleep guidance to help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Safer Sleep Week highlights the importance of making sure babies:
Have a clear, flat and firm sleep space with lightweight bedding
Are always placed on their back to sleep
Are kept in the same room as parents and caregivers until they are at least 6 months old
Are in completely smoke free homes, cars and environments
These simple measures can drastically reduce the risks associated with infant sleep.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “The goal of Safer Sleep Week is not only to educate families but to make safe sleep practices second nature.
“By ensuring that babies sleep on their backs in a cot free of loose bedding, we can prevent many of the tragic incidents that have claimed too many lives. The science is clear, and we have the tools to save lives.”
For more information on creating a safe sleep environment, visit Safer sleep.
The Healthy Child Wolves app is also packed with tips, guidance and signposting to support families, including advice on safer sleeping. The free app is available to download from Google Play or the App Store.
To get help to go smokefree, your Midwife, Health Visitor or Doctor can refer you to the Healthy Pregnancy Stop Smoking Team or contact the team by email at maternitysmokingcessationteam@nhs.net or by calling 01902 307999 extension 86307 or 07787285463.