Cot death

Is cot death on the decline?

The rate remained fairly constant in England and Wales at about two per 1,000 live births from 1971 to 1988, and then began to decline. The rate has fallen by 69% since the Reduce the Risk campaign was launched in 1991. However, seven babies still die as cot deaths every week in the UK.

How does cot death compare with other childhood problems?

Cot death remains the most common kind of death in babies aged less than one year. In 1998 the number of cot deaths of babies under the age of one year was over two and a half times the number of those who died of leukaemia or meningitis.

How does Britain’s cot death rate compare with those of other countries?

It is similar to those in countries such as Australia, Canada and the Netherlands. The rate is lower in Sweden and Hong Kong, but higher in New Zealand and the USA. In recent years the rate in many industrialised countries has declined, as in the UK, following the introduction of Reduce the Risk campaigns.

At what time of year do cot deaths occur?

Cot deaths used to happen more often in the winter, but this winter peak has almost disappeared since the Reduce the Risk campaign.

How can you reduce the risk of cot death?

There are six key steps to take:

• Place your baby on its back to sleep
• Cut smoking in pregnancy — fathers too!
• Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
• Do not let your baby get too hot
• Keep baby's head uncovered — place your baby with its feet towards the foot of the cot, to prevent wriggling down under the covers
• If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice promptly

For further information on baby health and reducing the risk of cot death contact FSID for copies of the BabyZone and Reduce the Risk booklets, or telephone FSID’s 24-hour helpline on 020 7233 2090. You could also visit The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths website, which contains over 100 pages of information related to cot death, baby health and the work of FSID.

Updated September 1999 and April 2000