Reducing the risk of cot death

Cot death is the term used to explain sudden and often unexplained deaths of babies in their first year life. Most deaths occur when a baby is between 4 and 12 weeks of age. Cot death can occur in any baby but some are more at risk than others. Babies most at risk from cot death are boys and those born prematurely or with a low birth weight.

As a parent you can help reduce the risk of cot death by:

• putting your baby on his back to sleep - use a firm, flat mattress; do not use pillows or other soft materials
• avoiding taking you baby into smoky atmospheres
• making sure your baby doesn't get to hot - do not overdress your baby or overheat the room
• placing your baby with his feet at the bottom of the cot - this stops him from wriggling down, under the covers and
• not sleeping with your baby on a sofa, armchair or settee.

It is also important that you don't share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:

• are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke)
• have been drinking alcohol
• take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
• feel very tired

Reduce the risk of cot death: an easy guide - 2009 edition

For more information contact The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID)