While there is a decreasing trend nationally, there has been a marked rise in the number of Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infants (SUDIs) in recent years in Southend, Essex and Thurrock.
No evidence has been identified to suggest a particular cause for the recent rise but there are certain co-sleeping risk factors, including:
The ongoing campaign aims to raise awareness of co-sleeping risks and promote safer sleep habits.
Posters and leaflets
Further information and resources.
The Chokeables video from St John's Ambulances teach you how to stop a baby from choking.
“Eight deaths of children under five since July 2008 as a result of falling televisions in the UK.” 
This sobering statistic from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents highlights the danger of what we may think of innocent household furniture. Unfortunately this figure is likely to be higher as RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) are only made aware of the fatalities when the press reporting on coroners inquests ask for comment.
Luckily there are some simple things that can be done to prevent injuries and deaths like this. For example, securing anything that could be a 'climbing frame' for toddlers is so important.
Furniture safety leaflet (select 'booklet' when printing for a5 leaflet format)
In recent years in Essex there have been three child deaths where the cause of death has been found to be falling into, and drowning, in a residential swimming pool. We want to raise awareness of the hazards of water and help people realise it's not just swimming pools that pose a danger. Any water area of more than a few centimetres in depth in the garden can be a hazard for young children; it takes just three minutes to drown in less than two inches of water. 
If you own a swimming pool, paddling pool or hot tub, take a moment to WALK through our simple guidance to #splashsafely
REMEMBER: A child can drown in just a few inches of water within seconds, often silently and without a splash, but by taking a few simple steps you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
Further information and resources.
Looped blind and window cords are dangerous as they can strangle a child.
Download Blind Cord safety poster
BABIES CAN SUFFOCATE ON NAPPY SACKS - Always keep nappy sacks out of reach.
Babies will naturally grasp anything and put it to their mouths, and nappy sacks can kill.
Download Nappy Sack safety poster
RoSPA is aware of at least 16 baby deaths in England and Wales due to nappy sacks. Find out more from RoSPA.
Dangers of liquitabs - download poster
Dangers of button batteries - download poster
Video from Child Accident Prevention Trust: a father's personal story.
Following recent national news regarding smoke detector research and the risk of children not waking up when in a deep sleep, it is important that you have a working smoke alarm on every floor of your home. Preparing and practicing an escape plan is also critical.
Just a few minutes spent planning your escape route now and sharing it with family could be the most valuable time you ever spend.
Follow these simple steps to ensure you can be warned at the first sign of a fire and that you have a clear escape plan to make sure you and your family are safely out of the house:
If a child is invited to a sleepover, it's important they are safe in the event of a fire. Here is some useful guidance from Lancashire on the things to think about before they go for a sleepover.
With technology proving a distraction for both drivers and pedestrians, the Department for Transport have released some provisional figures for 2015-16 that suggest an increase in the number of road deaths involving children and those seriously injured.
The reported figures are a reminder of the ongoing need for all of us to be aware of road safety.
Child Car Seats
By 1 March 2017 new rules are being introduced across Europe that will change how backless booster seats (booster cushions) are made.
The new rules mean that manufacturers aren’t allowed to introduce new models of backless booster seats for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg.
The change doesn’t affect existing models of seats or cushions and doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or illegal - though parents are still being encouraged to make sure they know the rules for using child car seats. Follow the link below to read the government guidelines.
Child Car Seats: the law on using a child car seat or booster seat
As well as all the usual things to be aware of when going on holiday such as keeping hydrated and eating unusual foods, as a parent it is important to prepare for your child becoming unwell, particularly if they have a health condition.
Things you may need to pack
Do some research before your trip to find the hospital or medical care facility closest to your destination, particularly if your child has a chronic health condition. If you're traveling overseas, try to find one where English is spoken.
It's also wise to carry a written copy of your child's medical history. Having this available can help health care workers make appropriate decisions about how to treat your child and you won't have to worry about forgetting important information at a time when you're likely to be upset.
A medical history should include: