Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson was quick to respond when some of her Instagram followers took issue with a recent picture of her newborn baby son.

The 38-year-old Bury-born star often gives snippets of family life to her two million Instagram followers.

Gemma also shares a four-year-old daughter, Mia, with her fiancé Gorka Márquez, who she met when a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. 

She uploaded a photograph of Thiago asleep on his front in a basket, sparking some concerned comments with some urging the mum to remember the current safe sleep advice for babies.

The advice, supported by safe sleep charity, Lullaby Trust, says infants should be placed on their backs or sides to sleep as it significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

"One fan wrote, 'Please put him to sleep on his back to prevent SIDS.'"

Another said, "There was a significant reduction in SIDS when the guidelines changed to put the baby to sleep on back vs front since the 90s."

This change was found to be a major factor in reducing infant mortality.

However Gemma, who attended Castlebrook High School which is now Unsworth Academy, was quick to defend herself. 

She replied: "He does sleep on his back. He naps on his front a few times throughout the day when I’m sat on the chair next to him. He’s also able to lift and move his head in both directions when on his front. Not my first rodeo with babies."

Gemma had been enjoying a catch up with her Hits Radio pal and co-presenter Mike Toolan at the weekend, when she posted the snaps.

The 38-year-old is currently on maternity leave from her afternoon slot DJ duties, with Gorka in London for the Strictly live shows which kicked off last month.

As well as a busy mum-of-two, Gemma is also a health and fitness enthusiast, animal lover and president of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.  

Keep up the great work, Gemma!