Keeping baby out of harm's way (From This Is Cheshire)

Keeping baby out of harm's way

PARENTS across St Helens are being targeted in a new hard-hitting campaign to ensure babies are protected from everyday dangers.

Mums and dads are being given access to help and advice on how to avoid accidents and injuries to their babies as part of the ‘Protect Your Baby’ campaign.

Dr Dympna Edwards, deputy director of public health with NHS St Helens, said: “Parents are devastated when anything happens to their baby.

"Many people think it couldn’t happen to them but tragically it does happen to some.

"Parents locally have told us they want more help, information and advice.”

Nationally, a number of key issues have emerged, including that some babies died when sleeping in a bed or on a sofa with parent, and the dangers of allowing anyone to smoke around infants.

Health visitors, children and family workers, housing and fire officers all have a role in helping parents and carers to protect children from injury.

Dr Edwards continued: “It is our duty and responsibility to ensure parents are aware of the dangers some of their behaviour might create.

"Many schemes are already in place to prevent injury to children and this campaign aims to help these be more joined up and effective.”