COUNCIL bosses have shared guidance to new parents to help lessen the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as part of Safer Sleep Week.

The week runs from March 15 to March 21 and aims to raise awareness of SIDS, which is also known as cot death.

Using information from the Lullaby Trust, council bosses have urged parents to follow advice when putting their baby down to sleep, no matter how tempting it might be to do whatever it takes to get some sleep.

Parents are reminded to never sleep with a baby:

  • On a sofa or in an armchair

  • in the same bed if you smoke, have drunk alcohol, have taken drugs or medication, or are extremely tired

  • if the baby is born prematurely or was a low birth weight

Coun Trevor Cave, cabinet support member for children's services, said: “Along with our partners, we’re raising everyone’s awareness of what safer sleep is, the many situations when it can happen and importantly, where to find the right type of help and support.

“We know that a greater awareness of safer sleep leads to a decrease in the numbers of babies dying. Sadly, around four babies a week die from SIDS.

"If you know someone who is a new parent or parent to be, we would greatly welcome your help in sharing our messages during the week so we can reach as many people as possible with our life saving advice.”

For more information about preventing SIDS, click here.