NEW figures show fewer babies in Huddersfield are dying before their first birthday.

But Kirklees is still above the national average for infant mortality.

From 2007 to 2009, the rate of death was 6.1 per 1,000 live births.

But from 2008 to 2010 this fell to 5.5. The national average for the same period was 4.7.

The figures were revealed at a meeting of the Kirklees Children’s Trust Board yesterday afternoon.

Deborah Collis, assistant director of public health for NHS Kirklees, said: “The increasing rate has now begun to decrease but it is important that we continue to improve the personal behaviours which contribute to infant deaths across Kirklees being higher than the national average.”

Factors affecting infant deaths include genetic closeness of parents, maternal obesity, smoking and drinking during pregnancy and poor diet.

Public health consultant Dr Mercy Vergis said: “The vast majority of babies in Kirklees are born healthy but, as the audit shows, some groups are more vulnerable than others.

“However, there are things that we can do mitigate the risks. General health before, during and after pregnancy are important so it’s best to avoid pregnancy.

“Breastfeeding ensures good nutrition in the first six months and can help guard against infections.” The figures show infant mortality is higher in north Kirklees than in south Kirklees, with women in Dewsbury more likely to smoke throughout their pregnancy than women in Huddersfield.

Ms Collis said: “It’s partly to do with the general social norms within the population.

“In the past it’s been socially acceptable to smoke when pregnant. It’s changing a little more slowly in Dewsbury and that’s why we’re focussing on that area.”

Kirklees Council and NHS Kirklees published a 53-page report into infant mortality from 2002 to 2008 yesterday.

Two hundred and seventy babies died before their first birthday during the six-year period.

Some 61% were in north Kirklees and 39% in south Kirklees. White babies made up 47% of the total while infants of Pakistani background made up 38%.