New sleep advice from FSID

The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) has announced is its latest safe sleeping message for parents. They are advising parents to settle their baby to sleep with a dummy - even for naps - to help reduce the risk of cot death.

FSID says 'Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death. If breastfeeding, do not begin to give a dummy until your baby is one month old to ensure breastfeeding is well-established. Don't worry if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep, and don't force your baby to take a dummy if he or she doesn't want it. Never coat the dummy in anything sweet.'

FSID's scientific advisor, Professor George Haycock says: 'Dummy use is widespread in the UK and other developed countries and generates strong feelings both for and against. A number of epidemiological research studies have appeared in the last few years suggesting that babies who are regularly given a dummy when put down to sleep are less likely to die suddenly and unexpectedly than those who are not.'

For more information parents can call the FSID's helpline on 020 7233 2090 or visit www.fsid.org.uk. The new advice on dummies is also published in the recent 'Reduce the Risk of Cot Death' leaflet.

 

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