Sudden infant death syndrome (Sids) threat could rise if booklet is stopped

The national research body into sudden infant death syndrome (Sids) has expressed concern that the number of tragedies could rise because the HSE has stopped printing the Reduce the Risk of Sids advice leaflets for parents.

The National Paediatric Mortality Register (NPMR) says it is being “inundated” with calls from health and childcare workers looking for the leaflets which contain guidelines for parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices for babies.

However, it says the HSE stopped printing the leaflets because of cost-saving measures in 2012 and the NPMR depleted its stockpile just over a year ago.