Grandparents are being urged to upgrade their knowledge on the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ahead of Red Nose Day on June 25, SIDS and Kids WA chief executive officer Shauna Gaebler said the continuing trend for mothers to return to work and leave babies in the care of loving grandparents meant there was an urgent need for re-education. She said children aged between up to one year old were most at risk of SIDS. “For working parents, grandparents are one of the most nurturing and helpful options for childcare, but in most cases, it’s been decades since grandparents have needed to put a baby to sleep, so we’re calling on them to refresh their knowledge of current safe sleeping recommendations,” Ms Gaebler said. Radio 6PR personality Ted Bull has two very compelling reasons to keep his knowledge of SIDS up to date. “Last June I became the very proud grandfather of a little baby girl, Eva Lily, and in November our family welcomed the arrival of another baby girl, Willow, so it has struck me how it all can be rather daunting looking after a new baby,” Ted said. “At first I thought I was the full bottle on this as I’ve done it all before, but then I realised things have changed and, most importantly, even an old dog can learn new tricks. “For example the guidelines for safe sleeping have changed since our children were babies. While for many years we were told to place our babies on their tummies to sleep, today parents are taught that babies should always sleep on their backs. “SIDS and Kids WA provide safe sleeping information to all new parents and so I urge you to talk to your family about the new guidelines and make sure you’re fully across the latest recommendations – it will only take a moment.” Ms Gaebler said it was imperative that babies were put to sleep safely to reduce the risk of SIDS. “We are available to talk to grandparents over the phone for free advice, or they can call us for a free information pack, which we will mail out to them,” she said.
SIDS and Kids WA also offers free support and counselling to anyone, including grandparents, affected by the death of a baby or child up to the age of 12. A free 24-hour, seven days a week peer support line can be reached on 1800-686-780. Red Nose Day is SIDS and Kids WA’s biggest fundraising event of the year and will run throughout June, with Red Nose Day on June 25. Contact SIDS and Kids WA on
9474-3544. Donations can also be made at www.everydayhero.com.au
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