Health and wellbeing
Walsall families encouraged to ‘keep it simple, keep it safe’ for Safer Sleep Week
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Walsall families and partner organisations working with infants are being encouraged to keep it simple to keep it safe to reduce the risk of sudden infant deaths, as Safer Sleep Week is marked from 9-15 March 2026.
With infant mortality in Walsall currently 5.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 4.1 across England, partner organisations are focusing on clear, practical advice to help every baby sleep more safely. Infant mortality is the death of a child aged under one years old (excluding still births).
This year’s theme for Safer Sleep Week focuses on baby necessities, the essential items that a baby needs and how to check the safety of baby products. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, firm separate sleep space (e.g. a cot or Moses basket) in the same room as the parent or carer and removing anything that is not essential, such as toys, blankets and bumpers that could obstruct a baby’s face and their breathing. Other key safety advice includes avoiding the baby getting too hot and making sure the baby is in a smoke-free environment.
As part of the Walsall Infant Mortality Strategy 2025-2030, the Council is working with partners to raise awareness of safer sleeping and to offer advice for families. Recently, 4,000 room thermometers have been produced, which will be given out by Family Hubs, maternity services and health visitors to new or expectant families in Walsall. Room thermometers are crucial for maintaining a safe, optimal room temperature (between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius), to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition, 4,000 “baby on board” signs have been produced, reminding families to ensure babies do not overheat whilst on board.
Walsall’s early years workforce will also benefit from the Lullaby Trust’s online, on-demand safer sleep training, which will launch during Safer Sleep Week and run over the next six months.
“ Ensuring that every baby in Walsall has the safest possible start is at the heart of our work. Simple steps such as keeping a baby’s sleep space clear, flat and firm can make a profound difference, and Safer Sleep Week is an important reminder of how small changes save lives. We’re committed to making sure families have access to clear, trusted advice so they feel confident in creating a safe sleep environment for their babies. “
To find out more about Safer Sleep Week and get safe sleeping advice for your baby, visit the Lullaby Trust website.
Additional local support is also available to help families create a safer and healthier environment for their babies.
Families on low incomes may be eligible for the NHS Healthy Start scheme, which provides vouchers for milk, fruit, vegetables and vitamins to support a healthy pregnancy and early years. Visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk to check eligibility.
Pregnant women and their families can get free, specialist help to stop smoking. Quitting early in pregnancy reduces the risk of sudden infant death. Call the Walsall Stop Smoking in Pregnancy service on 01922 270477 to self-refer.
Maintaining or achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy can meaningfully lower the risk of sudden deaths in infants. Be Well Walsall offers support with personalised weight management support on a one to one and group support basis, both face to face and online. Call 01922 444044 or visit https://bww.maximusuk.co.uk
Alcohol and drug use can increase risks for both mother and baby, including the risk of infant death. The Beacon – Change Grow Live in Walsall offers free and confidential specialist support for parents and parents‑to‑be affected by substance use. Families can contact the service on 01922 669840 or email thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk for advice and help.
Anyone affected by the loss of an infant or child can get support from the below services:
- Care of Next Infant (CONI) - Walsall | Health for Under5s
- Sands Groups | Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.
- WBSS - Walsall Bereavement Counselling.
- Home - Cruse Bereavement Support
The Walsall Infant Mortality Prevention and Reduction Strategy 2025-2030 aims to reduce infant mortality in Walsall to below the national average by 2030 and recognise and highlight the importance of a multi-agency approach to prevent infant mortality through collaborative working. It also aims to ensure people of childbearing age and expectant parents have access to information, services and help at the right time to enable them to make informed and positive decisions in the choices they make.
