Reducing the Risk of Cot Death

Cot death, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as it's also called, is the leading cause of death in babies over one month old and isn't something to be complacent about. Seven babies a week die from cot death in the UK alone and, although research is still ongoing into all the potential causes, there are practical ways you can reduce the risk.

 To keep your baby safe and minimise the risk of cot death, use these tips:

• Stop smoking during pregnancy; this includes fathers, too.
• Don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Put your baby to sleep on his back.
• Don't let your baby get too hot - the ideal temperature is 16-20 degrees Celsius. Use a thermometer to keep track of temperature in your baby's room.
• Keep your baby's head uncovered when he's asleep.
• When you put your baby to sleep, place his feet at the foot of the cot, to prevent him wriggling down under the covers.
• For the first six months, have the cot in your bedroom, so you can keep a close eye on your baby when he's asleep.
• Avoid sharing a bed with your baby.
• If your baby is unwell, or you're worried about him, seek medical advice promptly.

General Cot and Moses Basket Safety Tips

• Moses baskets are safe to use and you should follow the same sleeping advice for cots, keeping the basket in your room for the first six months.  
• Don't put the cot next to a heater, fire, radiator or in direct sunlight, as it could make your baby too hot. 
• Breathing or apnoea monitors, which are designed to sound an alarm after 20 seconds if there's no sign of breathing, can be used for reassurance - but there's no evidence that they can prevent cot death.

• Research into cot bumpers has produced neutral results. On the positive side, they don't have bad effects, so are considered safe to use in the cot. However, if they've got strings to attach them to the cot, they could be pulled by older babies. Some experts recommend avoiding using bumpers with babies who can sit unaided.
  Used mattresses have been linked to an increased risk of cot death. Ideally, buy a new mattress for each new baby, or ensure the one you have is completely waterproof and has no tears or holes. Ventilated mattresses with holes aren't recommended, as it's impossible to keep the inside clean.