Parents across Merseyside are being reminded about the importance of safer sleeping for babies during a campaign this week.
Merseyside’s five Safeguarding Children Boards in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, have come together to create the safe sleeping campaign to tackle an issue which has caused an average of five deaths each year across the region.
Each year, up to 300 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the North West has the highest rate in England and Wales.
From March 14th to 20th, the Lullaby Trust and Merseyside Safeguarding Childrens Boards will be heightening awareness of the problem, whilst reminding parents there are precautions they can take to help reduce the chance of tragedy occurring.
Debbie Hammersley, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children and Chair of the Safe Sleep group, told JMU Journalism: “There are a few very simple steps that parents can take, it is hoped that reminding parents about safer sleeping will help to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
“The week offers an opportunity to remind people what they can do and the support that is out there to give them assistance.”
The campaign, supported by fashion icon Colleen Rooney and Leanne Campbell from Radio City, is based around simple steps, designed to be easy to follow and cover the main risk factors.
These steps include keeping your baby away from smoke, before and after birth, putting baby in a cot or Moses basket to sleep, and making sure that baby is sleeping on their back.
During the week, all children’s centres across the city will offer advice and have a safe sleep display.
Advice given by the campaigners can also be explained further by midwives, health visitors and children’s centre staff.
More information is available online at The Lullaby Trust website or by searching for the hashtag #safersleepweek on Twitter.