Sudden infant death (cot death)

Cot death is the most common cause of death in infants over 1 month old. However, cot death is still rare and since 1991 numbers have greatly reduced. There is now a greater awareness of the risk factors involved and the simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

What is cot death?

Cot death is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby with no apparent cause. If cause of death remains unexplained after a post mortem examination the death may be registered as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), sudden infant death or unascertained.

What causes cot death?

For cot deaths that remain unexplained, many researchers believe that a combination of factors as yet undiscovered, may lead to sudden infant death.

Who is at risk?

Cot death can affect any baby and can occur anywhere and not just while the baby is sleeping. Male babies, premature and low birth weight babies are thought to be at greater risk. Infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy or who are exposed to smoke after birth are also at increased risk.

Most cot deaths occur before the age of six months and it is more common in the winter months.

How can you reduce the risk of cot death?

The following advice has been sourced from guidelines issued by The Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (FSID) and The Department of Health:

Place your baby on their back to sleep. From the age of five or six months your baby may start to roll over – this is normal and should not be prevented. You should still lay your baby on its back to sleep.
Stop smoking during pregnancy – fathers too.
Do not allow smoking in the same room as your baby.
Ensure your baby does not get too hot or too cold.
Keep your baby’s head uncovered and place their feet at the foot of the cot to prevent them wriggling down under the covers. Covers should be securely tucked in and reach no higher than the baby’s shoulders.
Seek medical advice if your baby seems unwell.
Keep your baby’s cot in your bedroom for the first six months.
Avoid bringing your baby into bed with you, especially if you or your partner are smokers, have been drinking alcohol, are taking medication that could cause drowsiness or are very tired.
Do not sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.

Other Resources

Useful Telephone Numbers

The Lullaby Trust (previously The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths) Bereavement Support Tel: 0808 802 6868 or Email: support@lullabytrust.org.uk

Help Line is open – Monday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00, Weekends & Bank Holidays 18:00 – 22:00

Or for Information and advice:

Bereavement support: 0808 802 6868

Information & advice: 0808 802 6869

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