Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) sometimes known as 'cot death' is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
In the UK, just under 300 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly everyyear. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from itis low.
Most deaths happenduring the first six months ofa babys life. Infants born prematurely or with a low birthweight are at greaterrisk. SIDS also tends to be slightly more common in baby boys.
SIDSusually occurs when a babyis asleep, althoughit can occasionally happen while they're awake.
Parentscan reduce the risk of SIDS bynot smoking while pregnant or after the baby is born, and always placing the baby on their back when they sleep (see below).
Find out how to stop smoking .
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) sometimes known as 'cot death' is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it's thought to be down to a combination of factors. Experts believe SIDS occurs at a particular stage in a babys development, and that itaffects babies who ar
Below is a list of things you can do to help prevent SIDS. Do: Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position (with their feet touching the end of th
If your baby was affected by SIDS, your clinical team will pass information about him or her on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scienti