Sleep Safe!
Did you know that breastfeeding can help prevent cot death?
Cot death is a sudden and unexpected infant that is initially unexplained. It is sometimes called SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).
Although cot death is rare and the risk of your baby dying from cot death is small, it is the most common cause of death in young babies in their first year of life and so an area of significant concern for the NHS.
Cot death is uncommon in babies less than a month old, but rises to a peak during the second month. The risk then decreases as the baby grows older. Nearly 90% of cot deaths occur in babies under six months old and very few occur after a year
While we don’t know exactly why cot death is less common among babies who are breastfed, we do know that protecting your child on the inside, and providing a safe and secure sleeping environment, will ensure the best start in life for your child.
However, it is really important that the Sleep Safe! messages are followed so that the chance of this happening is reduced as much as possible.
Here is a reminder of those important messages and advice:
To reduce the risk of cot death:
Do sleep baby in a cot in your room until 6 months old.
Do place baby on his/her back to sleep every time.
Do place baby’s feet to the foot of the cot.
Do keep rooms between 16-20°C.
Do seek medical advice if your baby is unwell.
Don't allow anyone to smoke near your baby.
Don't let your baby get too hot.
Don't share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, taken drugs or some medications, are a smoker, or very tired.
Don't ever sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
If you need any other information, have any questions or concerns, talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
Here are some other useful websites:
You can find more information and advice on sleep safe on the NHS Choices website
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths also published guidance for parents on its website at www.fsid.org.uk.