How many cot deaths a year

The newer baby 'sleeping bags' mean you do not have to use any additional bedding for your baby. The baby 'wears' the sleeping bag - a bit like a pinafore dress with the bottom sewn up. They come in different 'tog' weights, just like a normal duvet. This means you can choose a sleeping bag of the appropriate warmth depending on whether it is summer or winter, or whether you live in a hot or a cold climate.

Your baby can wear a vest, babygro or pyjamas, again depending on the warmth of the room in which they sleep. The advantage of sleeping bags is that your baby cannot bury himself or herself under the covers. Sleeping bags also have the advantage that your baby cannot pull their covers off in the night and become too cold. Sleeping bags can also prevent a younger baby from rolling on to his or her front or side.

The sleeping bags are sized according to age and your baby must be a minimum weight to wear one - consult the manufacturers' labels for more information. This means they are usually not suitable for newborns - only for babies who are a few months old. Many parents now choose sleeping bags for their babies, although they can be quite expensive.

Do not place soft materials or objects such as pillows, quilts, comforters, or sheepskins under a sleeping baby. Also, keep stuffed toys and other soft objects out of the cot. If you use bumper pads in a cot they should be thin, firm, well secured and not 'pillow-like'. They should also be free from loose ties that present a strangle hazard. The baby's head must be left uncovered. Tuck sheets and blankets under the sides of the mattress to stop them riding up on to the baby's face.

Tuck them so they reach up to your baby's armpits but not above. Some parents prefer not to use any sheets or blankets. They use 'sleeping bags' detailed above that are designed to keep the baby warm without the possible hazard of the head being covered in the night.

That is, the baby's feet should be just touching the foot of the cot. This means they cannot slip further down the cot under the sheets or blankets.

Babies need to be warm but not too warm. Being too warm increases the risk of cot death. Have the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you. If your baby is sweating or feels hot then they are too warm. Do not place a baby's cot next to a heater or radiator, or in direct sunlight. Also, do not use hot water bottles, electric blankets, etc.

A cot or crib next to your bed is the best place for your baby to sleep until they are at least 6 months old. It is best not to share a bed with your baby when you sleep so-called 'co-sleeping'. There is a risk that you might roll over on to your baby when you are asleep, or your baby may become trapped under the bedclothes. It is normal to feed and cuddle your baby when you are resting in bed but awake. However, when it is time for you to sleep, the best place for your baby is in a cot next to your bed.

In particular, there is an increased risk when bed-sharing if:. The baby should be placed in a Moses basket or a cot next to your bed. You can also get cots that attach to the side of your bed. The baby has his or her own area in which to sleep but there are no rails on the side next to you.

This means you can feed your baby safely in bed even breastfeeding lying down but once finished, you can just slide the baby over into the cot. Research studies have shown that the use of a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death. It is not clear how but it seems to help. Therefore, consider offering your baby a dummy at the start of each episode of sleep. However, if you breastfeed, do not start to use a dummy until you are well established with breastfeeding.

This is normally when the baby is about 1 month old. What is SIDS? Who is at risk for SIDS? Factors that may place a baby at higher risk of dying from SIDS include the following: babies who sleep on their stomach or their side rather than their back overheating while sleeping too soft a sleeping surface, with fluffy blankets or toys mothers who smoke during pregnancy three times more likely to have a baby with SIDS exposure to passive smoke from smoking by mothers, fathers, and others in the household doubles a baby's risk of SIDS mothers who are younger than 20 years old at the time of their first pregnancy babies born to mothers who had little, late, or no prenatal care premature or low birth weight babies having a sibling who died of SIDS Are there any theories about why SIDS occurs?

The model holds that SIDS occurs when three conditions exist simultaneously: the infant has an underlying e. Can SIDS be prevented? The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere.

Kevin B. Churchwell, President and CEO. Connect with Boston Children's Hospital. Read more about spotting signs of serious illness in children. If a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, there will need to be an investigation into how and why they died. A post-mortem examination will usually be necessary, which can be very distressing for the family.

The police and healthcare professionals work closely to investigate unexpected infant deaths and ensure the family is supported. They should be able to put you in touch with local sources of help and support. Many people find talking to others who have had similar experiences helps them to cope with their bereavement.

The Lullaby Trust provides advice and support for bereaved families. Specially trained advisers are available on its helpline — the number is and it's open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm , and at weekends and public holidays 6pm to 10pm. You can also email support lullabytrust. Read more about bereavement. Page last reviewed: 27 October Next review due: 26 October