I haven’t had a proper beard on my face for about 17 years. I’m about to grow another one as I participate in the Lullaby Trust’s Beards for Babies campaign.
For those unfamiliar with the Lullaby Trust, it’s a charity that works with families affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Between 1 June and 26 June 2015, it is calling on men to quit shaving.
The aim of Beard for Babies is two-fold. Firstly, it will raise funds for the Lullaby Trust’s bereavement support service. This is a vital service that supports parents and families who have lost a baby or toddler to SIDS.
The other aim is equally as crucial. The charity has discovered that safer sleep information is, more often than not, only delivered to a child’s mother by midwives or health visitors. By running a campaign that will appeal to dads, the Lullaby Trust hopes to make men aware of the safer sleep message and what they can do reduce the chances of their child being affected by SIDS (see below).
At present, there are 270 SIDS cases in the UK each year. The Lullaby Trust wishes to half that figure.
What can you do? First of all, you can sponsor me. I’ve set up a Just Giving page and you can donate to my effort by following this link. Alternatively you can donate to the campaign by texting BRDS01 £5 to 70070 (the suggested donation is £5 but be more generous by all means).
Secondly, if you’re a man, you can participate yourself! There’s more information on the charity’s website.
Men who participate are encouraged to post regular updates on social media using the #BeardsForBabies hashtag. If you want to see how I’m doing, look out for me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook during the month of June (links in te top right corner).
It’s no secret this is a very sensitive issue for my extended family. Earlier this year I wrote about the Lullaby Trust’s Safer Sleep Week and told the story of Lola, my beautiful niece who passed away in 2006 as a result of SIDS at just five months old.
I have witnessed the impact this condition can have on a family. I can only describe the loss of an infant as truly devastating and while time may help, it leaves very permanent scars. It’s why I believe bereavement support services like the Lullaby Trust’s are so important.
If you happen to be the parent of an infant, there is on further course of action you can take; follow the safer sleep advice issued by the Lullaby Trust. It’s very simple;
- Always place the baby on their back to sleep
- Keep the baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
- Place the baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months
- Breastfeed the baby, if possible
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition
- Avoid sleeping on a sofa or armchair with the baby
- Avoid sharing your bed with a baby if you drink, take drugs or are extremely tired and
- Take steps to avoid letting the baby get too hot.
I’ll leave the last word to Lucy Tambyraja, head of fundraising at the Lullaby Trust;
“We hope our Beards for Babies fundraiser will engage more men with The Lullaby Trust and make more dads aware of our vital safer sleep advice. Many dads tell us it is often only the mum who receives safer sleep information from midwives or health visitors. We really hope this campaign will close the knowledge gap and help men feel more confident when putting their baby to sleep.’
11 thoughts on “Lullaby Trust’s Beards for Babies. I’m in, are you?”
Sadly I don’t have any money to donate at this time but what an awesome thing you’re doing. Good for you! This is for such a good cause that I’m going to try and get my hubby on board with this and will use my blog for updating pics etc. If I do get my hubby to agree I will definately add a link to this page and mention it as our inspiration 🙂
Thanks Janine. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness too so getting your other half involved is just as valid. Thanks for your support.
Looking forward to seeing how the beard comes along.
Going to be hanging up the razor myself, well, for my face at least, the skull will still get its usual treatment.
Look forward to comparing beards!
Great information. Lucky me I came across your site by chance (stumbleupon).
I have saved as a favorite for later!
Glad you found the info useful.
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I’ll be sponsoring you, John, we lost our first son, Samuel, to SIDS.
Here’s my Thought for the Day to be broadcast on BBC Radio Solent, 6:50 am, Friday 12th June:
This Christmas, it will be 30 years since my first son died of cot death. Whilst time is a great healer, it is still surprising how an event, article, news item or even just a song can suddenly and unexpectedly take me right back to that time as if it happened only yesterday and I am overcome by deep emotions that I am unaware of the rest of the time.
Many of us suffer loss or tragedy in our lives, following which we are never the same again. We each come to terms with what has happened in our own way. We can’t control events but we do have a choice in how we respond. We can either be defined or shaped by them.
There are so many examples of legacy – donations, acts or campaigns, in memory of loved ones. So much good has resulted from these. My wife and I set up our nursery business. We understand how precious life is and the responsibility and privilege we have as parents entrust their children into our care. We are determined that every child we care for will experience the best of love we are able to give.
Isn’t it wonderful that we all have the opportunity to use what has happened to us to do something positive; to decide that we can do whatever we are able, to make a difference?
Thnka you ever so much for the sponsorhip David, Clearly this is an issue that affects you very deeply. That’s a great message you plan to broadcast. So sorry to hear of your story but I like what you say; we are either defined or shaped by life’s events. Much better to be shaped.
This is such an important campaign John, so vital to raise awareness. Look forward to seeing the beard at BritMums x
Thanks Sara, it is really vital and it isn’t all about making money for the charity. It’s about getting the safer sleep message out to those who need to hear it.