AIREDALE Hospital midwives have supported a new campaign aimed at combating cot deaths.

The maternity team has been raising awareness of safe sleep practices with new and expectant parents.

It manned an information stall outside the maternity unit, Ward 21.

The initiative was part of national Safer Sleep Week, staged by the Lullaby Trust to reduce the risk of cot death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids).

Liz Osborne, infant feeding coordinator at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We wanted to raise awareness about safe sleep practices which can help reduce the risk of Sids.

“One of the risks we have been focussing on is making sure babies are never in the same bed as parents who have consumed alcohol or smoke or take medication or drugs that may alter their level of consciousness.”

Further tips are offered by Dr Shirley Brierley, public health consultant for Bradford Council.

“The advice is to place your baby on their back to sleep – in its own cot in the same room with you,” she said.

“Place them so their feet touch the end of the cot and never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

“Keeping your home smokefree and breastfeeding if you can may also reduce the risks. Try not to let your baby become too hot and keep your baby’s head uncovered when asleep.”

Visit nhs.uk or lullabytrust.org.uk/promotingsafebaby care for more details.

Further details about maternity services can be found at airedale-trust.nhs.uk/ser vices/maternity-services.