Cot death
Cot death is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby for no obvious reason. The post-mortem examination may explain some deaths. Those that remain unexplained after post-mortem examination may be registered as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden infant death, sudden unexpected death in infancy or cot death.
What causes cot death?
No one knows yet why these babies die. Researchers think there are likely to be a number of different causes, or that a combination of factors affects a baby at a vulnerable stage of development.
Do babies only die at night in their cots?
No, cot deaths can occur anywhere and at any time. Some babies die in their parents' arms or in a pram, but babies are usually found dead in their cots.
Do babies suffocate?
Babies who die as cot deaths often appear to have died of suffocation because they may be found face down or with their faces covered. However, it is very rare that suffocation is the actual cause of death.
Do babies suffer any pain?
No, most die peacefully in their sleep without pain or distress.
Does it only happen to certain babies?
No, cot death can affect any baby, but certain babies are more at risk, namely boys, premature and low birth-weight babies. For example, 60% of cot deaths in England and Wales occurred among boys, while they comprised 51% of all live births (figures refer to babies aged birth to one year, 1994-1998).
In 1998 in England and Wales, 89% of cot deaths occurred in babies aged less than six months, with a peak at two to three months. As babies get older the risk reduces. Of babies who died of cot death, 3.7% were aged over one year.
Does cot death only happen in certain families?
Cot death can happen to any family, though it is more likely to happen in families living in difficult circumstances. At present, the incidence of cot death appears to be lower amongst Asian families, but because of the number of factors associated with cot death no one knows why this is.
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