Blackpool FC captain George Honeyman has united with agencies across Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool and Lancashire for Safer Sleep Week 2026 - which runs until Sunday - to raise awareness of the lifesaving steps families can take to protect babies while they sleep.
This year’s theme, “Baby Necessities,” focuses on the essential items every baby needs for safe sleep - and how parents and carers can confidently check that products meet safer sleep standards.
Safer Sleep Week is led nationally by The Lullaby Trust, which highlights the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - still claiming the lives of around three babies every week in the UK. The campaign aims to empower families and professionals with clear, practical guidance to reduce risk and keep babies safe.
Local partners - including the NHS, regional councils, Lancashire Constabulary, and children’s safeguarding teams - will share safer sleep messages across social media using #LSCSaferSleepWeek.
These messages - and George's video, filmed by wife Aaishah, who is a midwife with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals - will guide families through the basics of safe sleep, including:
- Providing a clear, flat, separate sleep space for baby, such as a cot or Moses basket.
- Always placing babies on their backs with their feet to the foot of the sleep space.
- Keeping babies smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth.
- Ensuring babies do not overheat, with rooms kept between 16–20°C.
- Avoiding falling asleep with baby on sofas or chairs, which increases risk by 50%
Families will also receive support to help them navigate baby products safely - from choosing mattresses and bedding to understanding which items to avoid, and how to spot unhelpful or misleading product claims.
For more information, go to lullabytrust.org.uk
