Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is also referred to as 'cot death'. It is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby.
The content on this page is adapted from 'Reduce the Risk of Cot Death (PDF, 397Kb)', Department of Health, 2009.
Reduce Risks
There are a few simple things parents can do that greatly reduce the chance of cot death. Breastfeeding greatly reduces the risk of cot death.
Sleep on the back
Place your baby on their back from the beginning. When your baby is old enough to roll over, you do not need to stop them from doing so.
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in a room with you for the first six months.
Do not smoke
Smoking in pregnancy greatly increases the risk of cot death. It is best not to smoke at all. If you are pregnant, and want to give up - call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking helpline on 0800 169 9 169.
Don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke after birth are also at an increased risk of cot death.
Nobody should smoke in the house. Do not take your baby into smoky places. If you are a smoker, sharing a bed with your baby increases the risk of cot death.
Not sharing a bed
Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:
- are a smoker (even if you never smoke in bed or in front of the baby)
- have recently drunk any alcohol
- have taken drugs or medication that might make you sleep more heavily
- feel very tired
The risk of bed sharing is higher when your baby is premature (born before 37 weeks) or was of low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb).
You should never fall asleep with your baby in an armchair or on a sofa.
Do not let your baby get too hot
Overheating can increase the risk of cot death. Babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing or because the room is too hot.
If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some bedding. Don't worry if your baby's hands or feet feel cold - this is normal.
It is easier to adjust the temperature with changes of lightweight blankets. A folded blanket counts as two blankets.
Babies do not need hot rooms; all-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you at night: about 18C or 65F.
Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket. Babies should never sleep next to a radiator, heater or fire - or in direct sunshine.
Babies lose excess heat from their heads, so make sure their heads cannot be covered by bedclothes during sleep periods.
If Your Baby is Unwell
If your baby is unwell seek medical advice promptly. Babies often have minor illnesses. Make sure your baby drinks plenty of fluids and is not too hot.
There may be a serious illness if your baby has any of the following symptoms:
- High pitched or weak cry, is less responsive, is much less active or more floppy than usual
- Looks very pale all over, grunts with each breath, seems to be working hard to breathe when you look at their chest or tummy
- Takes less than a third of usual fluids, passes much less urine than usual, vomits green fluid or passes blood in their stools
- Has a fever of 38c if the baby is less than 3 months, or 39c if 3-6 months old
- Is dehydrated - dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, or the soft spot on baby's head is sunken
- Has a rash that does not disappear with pressure
Useful Links
- Information for Families, Parents and Carers
- Worried About a Child?
- Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) (external link)
- Directgov: After the Birth (external link)
Useful Downloads
- 'Reduce the Risk of Cot Death (PDF, 397Kb)', Department of Health, 2009.