Reducing the risk of cot death

This section gives you more information on the things you can do to reduce the risk of cot death. Cot death – also known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – are terms used when a baby, usually under 1 year of age, with no previous history of illness, dies unexpectedly. Sadly, this can happen wherever a baby is sleeping.

Tips for safer sleeping

Things you can do

  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep
  • Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
  • Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months
  • Breastfeed your baby
  • Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition

Things to avoid

  • Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
  • Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink or take drugs or are extremely tired, if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth-weight
  • Avoid letting your baby get too hot
  • Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding

Co-Sleeping

Babies should be slept in a clear sleep space, which is easy to create in a cot or Moses basket. We know, however, that families also bed share and so recommend making your bed a safer place for baby whether you doze off accidentally, or choose to bed share. You can access more information and recommendations on making co-sleeping safer by clicking here.

SCOTD

You can also download the above information leaflet below.

Download

Further Resources