Bradford’s Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) is warning parents of babies not to share their beds with their babies, especially if parents have been drinking, taking drugs or smoking, and to never to sleep with their babies on sofas and armchairs.
Following this advice they claim will reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The advice comes as CDOP continues to see cases of deaths in infants due to SIDS in the district, often where parents have been co-sleeping with their babies with additional risk factors such as drinking alcohol.
Avoiding co-sleeping is one of the eight key recommendations from CDOP’s 2015/16 annual report to prevent modifiable deaths.
Dr Shirley Brierley, Chair of Bradford’s Child Death Overview Panel, said:
“Unfortunately, we see cases every year which involve children dying from SIDS. Although no-one knows exactly what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, there are some known factors which are associated with an increased risk.”
“No one would want their baby to come to harm and a few simple steps could help reduce the chance of another tragedy from happening in the district.”
"Make sure your baby sleeps safely by not sharing a bed with your baby especially if you or your partner smokes, takes drugs, or if you’ve been drinking alcohol. It is also important not to share a bed if you have had a premature baby (this is a baby who is born early) or a baby with a low birth weight.”
"The advice is to place your baby on their back to sleep, in his or her own cot in the same room with you. Place them so their feet are touching the end of the cot and never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair."
“Keep your home smoke free (free of cigarette smoke) at all times, breastfeed if you can and try not to let your baby become too hot; all these actions can all help to reduce the risks for your baby.”
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