New mothers to get updated cot death advice leaflet

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has updated its leaflet aimed at reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The leaflet contains simple steps to follow to reduce the risk of cot death, and will be provided to all first-time mothers.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell said: “The unexpected death of a baby is a tragedy, but we know that since parents and carers have been following the risk reduction advice, the number of cot deaths has fallen by over 70%.

“Most people are aware that you should always place your baby on its back to sleep. Also, falling asleep with your baby in bed, or on a chair or sofa, increases the risk of cot death, so babies should always be put back in their cot before you go to sleep.

“The revised leaflet also contains new advice in relation to breastfeeding and use of dummies to reduce the risk of cot death.”

Joyce Epstein, Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) Director, said: “We warmly welcome the Department’s new leaflet. The leaflet gives important new information to parents on safe infant care, and reinforces existing guidelines which parents should continue to follow.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Cot death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is rare and the risks can be reduced. Advice for parents / carers to reduce the risk of cot death includes:

• Place your baby on the back to sleep, in a cot in a room with you.
• Do not smoke in pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs, if you are a smoker or if you feel very tired.
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
• Do not let your baby get too hot – keep your baby’s head uncovered – place your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position.
• If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice promptly.
• Using a dummy at the start of any sleep period can reduce the risk of cot death. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy.
• Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of cot death.

2. The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote infant health. FSID funds research, supports bereaved families, promotes baby care advice, and works to improve investigations when a baby dies. Its website is: www.fsid.co.uk

3. The leaflet will be provided to first-time mothers and is available from local Health and Social Care Trusts. Copies are also available for download on the DHSSPS website, and nidirect

4. Media queries contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.