By Stephanie Cowan

New fathers, listen up! This article is about you and your role in protecting your baby from sudden unexpected death. Your baby needs you to be up to date in your knowledge, and strong in your decisions. Every year about sixty New Zealand babies die suddenly and unexpectedly in their sleep. Sadly, most of these deaths are preventable.

Throughout human history, fathers have been the protectors or guardians of their families. This role is a defining one for men, especially in modern times. A father who protects his children ensures their deep-rooted security, confidence and trust. It is no longer hungry lions and tigers that your babies need protecting from. The dangers now are harder to see. The lions and tigers of today lurk in the places where babies grow and the places where they sleep.

Protection as they grow