Potentially life-saving advice will be offered to parents with babies to mark Child Safety Week at two informative events.

The NHS-led ‘my sleep, my space’ campaign aims to remind parents of the risks of sleeping in the same bed with their babies, which could include injury or even death.

Parents are invited to two events where they can pick up advice on how to reduce those risks.

Roselyn Blackman from NHS Barking and Dagenham said: “We want to make sure that local families have all the very latest information and advice to help keep their babies as safe as possible.”

The first event will be held at ASDA, Merrielands, Dagenham, will on June 23 (Thursday) and the second will be at Vicarage Field Shopping Centre, Barking, on June 24 (Friday) from 10am – 4pm. There will be games, competitions and all sorts of information on how to keep your baby safe.

Parents are reminded:

• to always place your baby on their back to sleep

• the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in the parent’/carers’ room for the first six months

• never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

It is especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if you or your partner:

• are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home

• have been drinking alcohol

• have taken medication or drugs that make you drowsy

• feel very tired

Parents with babies can talk to a GP, midwife, practice nurse or health visitor for more information about how to keep their baby safe.