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- If a parent who is a smoker sleeps with a baby and if the baby is under 11 weeks of age, preterm or small for dates the risks increase substantially.
- It is dangerous to sleep with baby if you are affected by alcohol or drugs, or sedating medication or if you are very tired and cannot respond to the baby.
- Taking a baby into the adult bed may be unsafe if baby gets caught under adult bedding or pillows, or is left alone on an adult bed.
- Sleeping on a couch or sofa with a baby is extremely dangerous.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, David Bradbury has issued a warning notice to the public in relation to amber teething necklaces.
Amber teething necklaces and bracelets consist of amber beads which are a fossilised tree resin and range in colour from yellow to white and beige to brown.
The warning notice was issued after ACCC testing of several of these products indicated that they could break into small parts and present a choking hazard to children under three years of age.
Suppliers claim that when worn close to the skin, succinic acid will be released by the amber beads to relieve the symptoms of teething. Some suppliers also make claims for other conditions including eczema and asthma.
Consumers using this product are advised to:
- always supervise the infant when wearing the necklace or bracelet
- remove the necklace or bracelet when the infant is unattended, even if it is onlyfor a short period of time
- remove the necklace or bracelet while the infant sleeps at day or night not allow the infant to mouth
or chew the necklace or bracelet
- consider using alternate forms of pain relief
- seek medical advice if you have concerns about your child’s health and wellbeing.
To view the warning notice click here.
SIDS and Kids Frequently Asked Questions has been updated to include additional information on Baby Slings and Car Seats.
You can download the new FAQs below or visit www.sidsandkids.org to view FAQs and information on Infant Safe Sleeping.
Download copy of FAQs 2011.pdf here.
The Keeping Baby Safe booklet provides some easy steps you can take to ensure your baby remains safe in your home.
The booklet shows you what to look for when purchasing infant and nursery products, and tips on how to use these products safely. The guide is aimed at expectant parents, and parents and carers of children under five years old.
This valuable resource is produced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commision.
You can download your copy of Keeping Baby Safe by clicking the link.
Support SIDS and Kids run the Virgin London Marathon!
Imagine your heart thumping as the start gun fires and you take off from Blackheath. You run along the River Thames catching glimpses of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre before reaching the halfway mark at the commanding Tower Bridge.
Now you’re moving east towards Canary Wharf, where you enter the final leg of the race – St. Paul’s Cathedral to Ludgate Hill to Embankment. As the London Eye comes into view, you see sights of Big Ben and Westminster in the distance.
Minutes later you pass the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace, wearing an enormous smile weighted with exhilaration, relief, and pride.
THIS COULD BE YOU!
Find our more visit: http://www.inspiredadventures.com.au/adventure/234/virgin-london-marathon.html
Download SIDS and Kids Virgin London Marathon Info Brochure.pdf
Parents and carers should take care when using slings and pouches to carry babies. Babies have suffocated while using slings. They are at risk if placed incorrectly in a sling because they do not have the physical capacity to move out of dangerous positions that block their airways.
To download the Baby Sling Alert Brochure click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
For more information on Safe Sleeping please contact SIDS and Kids in your State or Territory on 1300 308 317.
The Australian and New Zealand Stillbirth Alliance have released a Stillbirth Fact Sheet outlining the key facts on stillbirth, how Australia and New Zealand compare with other countries, causes of stillbirth, risk factors, how we care for families who have suffered the loss of a baby, what can be done to reduce the risk of stillbirth. For more information contact SIDS and Kids in your State or Territory on 1300 308 307.
To download a copy of the Fact Sheet click on the link below:
MEDIA RELEASE | 17 MARCH 2011
Safety First for Sleeping Babies
Some sleeping arrangements for babies can be very dangerous and increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy. The SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping message informs parents and health professionals about how to reduce these risks and create a safe sleeping environment for babies. Since the introduction of the safe sleeping education program in the early 90’s, the number of sudden infant deaths in Australia has decreased by over 85%.
‘Recent media about co-sleeping with a baby in an adult bed can be confusing if researchers only mention the advantages of sleeping with a baby and do not talk about the known risks. If parents are to make an informed choice they need to consider the risks as well’, Leanne Raven, CEO of SIDS and Kids Australia said today.
There are some very unsafe sleeping environments for babies that increase the risk of sudden infant death and fatal sleeping accidents and parents need to be aware of them.
‘Experts agree that it is important for parents to be in close sensory contact with their baby and they also agree that a cot or bassinet next to the parents bed achieves this closeness.’ Ms Raven said.
SIDS and Kids recommends that after feeding and cuddles, baby is placed into their own separate and safe sleeping place, next to the parents’ bed. For more information about Safe Sleeping visit the SIDS and Kids website on www.sidsandkids.org
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For further information or interviews, please contact:
Chris DiPetta, SIDS and Kids Australia
Ph: (03) 9819 4595 or 0413 570 287. Email: christinedipetta@sidsandkids.org
