09/09/2003
Cot death advice leaflet launched
A new leaflet has been launched by the Department of Health today advising parents on how they can reduce the risk of cot death.
Cot death, also known as Sudden Infant Death (SID) is a condition where babies, predominately under one year of age, die without apparent cause.
Commenting on the leaflet and the simple steps that parents can take, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell said: “Cot Death is one of the most tragic events that any family can suffer. We have seen a welcome decrease in such deaths since the early 1990’s but there continues to be about 10 deaths each year in Northern Ireland and I believe there is a need to reinforce the advice on how to reduce the risks of such tragedies”.
Dr Campbell also drew attention to the new advice highlighting the dangers associated with alcohol and drugs while looking after young babies.
The range of measures highlighted in the leaflet are:
(MB)
Cot death, also known as Sudden Infant Death (SID) is a condition where babies, predominately under one year of age, die without apparent cause.
Commenting on the leaflet and the simple steps that parents can take, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell said: “Cot Death is one of the most tragic events that any family can suffer. We have seen a welcome decrease in such deaths since the early 1990’s but there continues to be about 10 deaths each year in Northern Ireland and I believe there is a need to reinforce the advice on how to reduce the risks of such tragedies”.
Dr Campbell also drew attention to the new advice highlighting the dangers associated with alcohol and drugs while looking after young babies.
The range of measures highlighted in the leaflet are:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep
- Do not sleep with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, take drugs or if you smoke
- Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
- Keep your baby’s head uncovered – place your baby in the “feet to foot” position
- Do not sleep on a sofa with your baby
- Do not let your baby get too hot
- If your baby is unwell, seek advice promptly
(MB)
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