Are
you aware of the risk of cot death? How can you reduce the risk?
More
than 350
babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year in the UK of sudden
infant death syndrome - cot death. The cause of these deaths is
unknown. But, since parents and carers have been following risk
reduction advice, the number of babies dying has fallen by over 70%.
The
safest place for your baby to sleep - day and night - is in a
crib or cot. Keep the cot in a room with you for the first six months
to help keep your baby safe and healthy.
- Place
your baby on their 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 or if you are a smoker
- 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 so they can't wriggle
under the bed clothes.
Do
I need a monitor?
There
are devices available that monitor a baby's breathing and some also
monitor the heart rate.
We
recommended them for:
- Babies
who have specific medical conditions, especially those that affect
their breathing
- Parents
who've lost a baby to cot death and go on to have another child. But
there is no evidence that a home breathing monitor then reduces the
risk of cot death.
At
Richmond Practice
our paediatrician can help you to assess any special risk to your
newborn by conducting a thorough check-up.
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