‘Reduce the risk of sudden infant death’ – PHA
Parents are being reminded about the importance of reducing the risk of sudden infant death, as a new survey commissioned by the Public Health Agency (PHA) shows that many adults are unaware of the main risk factors.
The cause of sudden infant death syndrome is not known, but there are measures parents can take to reduce the risk of it happening.
Most of the respondents to the survey were unaware of the messages of the successful “back to sleep” campaign of the early 1990s. Just 4% showed any awareness of “back to sleep”.
Emily Roberts, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children at the PHA, said, “The survey shows that despite 79% of people having an awareness of sudden infant death, there are very low levels of awareness of the risk factors.
“We need to increase everyone’s knowledge, including among relatives and friends who may help out with childcare, of the risk factors for sudden infant death.
“For example, the figures reveal that only 8% of those surveyed knew that co-sleeping on a sofa or an armchair was a main risk factor, and just 5% knew that a baby not sleeping in same room as parents for the first six months was another aspect of a child’s sleeping arrangements that could have an impact.”
Co-sleeping is a parent or carer sleeping on a bed, sofa or chair with an infant, and just a quarter (23%) knew that co-sleeping in general was a risk factor for sudden infant death. Far fewer knew that co-sleeping after taking alcohol (17%) or using drugs (12%) were key risks.
Emily continued, “It is very important that we remind people about the dangers of co-sleeping, particularly if sleeping on a sofa or armchair, or if adults who smoke or have taken alcohol or drugs (including medication) co-sleep with a baby.
“Based on the available scientific evidence it is recommended that the safest place for babies to sleep is in their own cot or moses basket in the parents’ room for the first six months.
“Place your baby on their back with feet touching the bottom of the cot. Use a light blanket that is no higher than the baby’s shoulders, or if using a baby sleeping bag make sure it’s fitted with neck and arm holes and doesn’t have a hood.
“Never sleep on an armchair or sofa with your baby as this is particularly risky and never allow anyone who has been smoking, drinking or taking drugs (including medication) to co sleep with your baby.
“It is also important to remember not to clutter your baby’s cot. Don’t put pillows, loose blankets, cot bumpers or sleep positioners in your baby’s cot.
“By following these steps as part of a sleep-time routine they’ll become second nature and help reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
She added, “One of the most important things to remember is that if you have any questions, no matter how small or trivial you might think they are, talk your health visitor who can provide practical advice.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=65728
Posted by Newry Times News
on Dec 21 2018. Filed under Community.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
