A LANCASHIRE-WIDE initiative to ensure infants sleep safely on family holidays has been launched.

‘The Safer Sleep for Baby’ campaign aims to make sure the summer break does not turn into a nightmare.

Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen Safeguarding Children Boards want to ensure that family holidays are happy times without tragic accidents.

Nigel Burke, chair of the Lancashire board said: “At home, it's easier for parents to ensure their baby is safe in their cot and doesn't get too hot.

“On holiday, though, accommodation is unfamiliar, temperatures can be higher and parents are likely to relax and perhaps drink a little more alcohol than usual.

“These situations can be risky, but we have some simple advice for parents which is based on research and which can be adapted whether you're in a villa in Italy, a hotel in Spain or a caravan in Scotland."

The key points are:

  • Plan ahead – will the place you are staying provide a travel or ordinary cot, or will you need to take one with you?
  • Check any cot that's been provided for any hazards
  • Ensure the cot is not positioned near anything that could be a hazard, such as blind cords or a window sill things could fall off
  • Make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot
  • If the baby is in a separate room, ensure you can hear them.