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Parents

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Cot death or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is where a child (usually under the age of one year) dies in their sleep. There is no known medical reason why this happens but there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of cot death.

Back to sleep

Place your baby on their back to sleep - side sleeping is not as safe as sleeping on the back, and healthy babies who sleep on their backs are at no greater risk of choking. Also don't let them get too hot (or cold). The ideal temperature in a baby's room is 18 degrees Celsius.

At about five or six months old it is normal for babies to roll over so don't try to prevent them doing so, but still put your baby on the back to sleep.

Stop smoking

  • this includes all who live with you
  • don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
  • don't share a bed with your baby if you smoke

Feet to foot

Place your baby with their feet towards the foot of the cot or pram, to prevent them wriggling down under the covers and make the covers up so that they reach no higher than their shoulders. Covers should be securely tucked in so they can't slip over the baby's head. Babies whose heads are covered accidentally with bedding are at an increased risk of cot death.

Your baby should sleep on a mattress that is firm, flat, well-fitting and clean. The outside of the mattress should be waterproof, like PVC. Cover the mattress with a single sheet. Use sheets and lightweight blankets but not duvets, quilts, baby nests, wedges, bedding rolls or pillows.

Co-sleeping

It's best to keep your baby's cot in your room for the first six months. While it's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, always put your baby back in their cot before you go to sleep. This is because there is a link between sharing a bed, sofa or armchair for sleeping and cot death. This applies particularly if you or your partner:

  • are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke)
  • have recently drunk any alcohol
  • have taken medication or drugs that make you sleep more heavily
  • are very tired

Or:

  • if your baby was premature (born before 37 weeks)
  • was low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb)
  • is under three years old

There is also some risk that you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby, or that your baby could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.

Baby (sleep) monitors do not prevent cot death but some parents find them reassuring.

Remember cot death is rare so don't let worrying stop you enjoying your baby's first few months.

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