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Low birthweight babies at bigger risk

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New cot death statistics suggest that babies born with a low birthweight are over five times more at risk. Parents whose babies weigh less than 2.5kg or 5.5lbs at birth should be given the following Safe Sleep advice:

 • Place your baby on their back to sleep, in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months. 
• Place your baby with their feet to the bottom of the cot, so they can’t wriggle down under the covers, or use a baby sleep bag
• Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep their head uncovered 
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
• Settling your baby to sleep (day and night) with a dummy can  reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep
• Breastfeed your baby – if possible. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy.

 

Meanwhile a study from Norway has suggested that teen girls are more likely to become pregnant if their older sister had a baby as a teenager. This may be because sisters generally spend more time together than schoolmates or friends – making their influence greater. Have you experienced this “sister effect”? Is there more than one young mum in your family?

You may remember that a few weeks ago we asked you to vote for Cheryl and Michael who entered a competition to win their dream wedding. Well the teenage parents - who have been together for over ten years - were successful and recently tied the knot in Manchester. Congratulations!

Finally, are you expecting and still stuck for a baby name? Try the genie.
 

comments

(3)

  • @megg_x_x_x my little brother always did the same too, he'd only sleep for naps if he had a comforter toy and blanket against his face, always made sure he had a dummy in though because that reduces the risk of cot death. He's now 3 and still loves having something against his face to go off to sleep.

    by lifes_a_test 28 August 2011

  • I know this may sound horrible but my little brother has just turned 7 months and ever since he was a baby he'd cover his face up so he cud get to sleep. i think you need to be careful but at the same time everyone is been realy consious and scared. as long as you watch them. But i think this info is really important :) xx

    by megg_x_x_x 26 August 2011

  • wow very important info

    by fruity1992 18 August 2011