Safer Sleep

Safer Sleep 7 Minute Briefing for all Professionals

If a child is in immediate danger please call 999

Safer sleep advice for babies - Start for Life - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The below information is from The Lullaby Trust, and you can visit their website for more advice.

What it is

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby where no cause is found.  While SIDS is rare, it can still happen and there are steps parents can take to help reduce the chance of this tragedy occurring. There are some things you can do and not do to ensure that this doesn't occur.

Things parents and carers can do

• Always place the baby on their back to sleep
• Breastfeed is possible, this can reduce this risk of SIDs
• Keep the baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
• Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition
• Place the baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as a parent/carer for the first 6 months

NICE’s Postnatal Care Quality standard details at each contact, practitioners should discuss with parents safer practices for bed sharing, including:

• making sure the baby sleeps on a firm, flat mattress, lying face up (rather than face down or on their side)
• not sleeping on a sofa or chair with the baby
• not having pillows or duvets near the baby
• not having other children or pets in the bed when sharing a bed with a baby

You can also see this information leaflet from the Lullaby Trust.

If you are concerned about a child/young person in Islington please contact Children’s Services Contact Team Social on 0207 527 7400.