A SAFER sleeping campaign, to help combat infant deaths, is being promoted by Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The campaign, which is being run by the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) for Hillingdon and Ealing, aims to educate the public and staff about safe infant sleeping routines and highlight unsafe practices.

Carol Hamilton, CDOP manager, said: “We see a range of issues that occur time and time again because people don’t understand the danger they can put their children into when they don’t follow safe sleeping practices.

“We are hoping this campaign will give parents a better understanding of their baby’s needs and avoid putting their health at risk.”

Some of the simple things to do to promote safer sleeping include placing babies on their back to sleep, keeping a smoke-free environment, using a Moses Basket and putting babies to sleep on a firm, flat waterproof mattress.

In London, one baby dies every nine days from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Though no advice guarantees it’s prevention, practices that promote safe sleeping in infants can lower the chances of the tragedy occurring.

To help lower the chances of SIDS, the campaign highlights a range of practices that should be avoided, which includes co-sleeping if anyone else in the bed smokes, has drunk alcohol or taken drugs, which can include medication.

Further information about safer sleeping, including advice, support and campaign materials can be found online at www.lullabytrust.org.uk