Last updated by charlotte.lang@essex.gov.uk on Wednesday, March 13, 2024

One of the outcomes of a recent thematic review of baby deaths classified as sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) across Southend, Essex and Thurrock, was to develop a ‘SUDI thinking tool’.   The tool has now been finalised and is available for use by practitioners across all agencies.

The intention of the SUDI thinking tool is to prompt curious conversations by all professionals in contact with families with young infants, to facilitate a non-judgemental discussion about their choice of sleeping environment, and to tailor advice and support to their individual circumstances.

The guidance is based on the Lullaby Trust recommendations for best practice and is intended to support current practice and risk assessment.

A research project with Anglia Ruskin University is in progress to seek the voice of parents, to determine what influences their decision making regarding their choice of sleeping environment for their baby. The outcomes will be shared in due course.