Reduce the risk of cot death
Sadly, eight babies die suddenly and unexpectedly in the UK every week.The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths suggest ways to reduce the risk for your baby
Cot death is rare but it does happen. The good news is that parents can take steps to reduce the risk to their baby. Since the launch of the Reduce the Risk of Cot Death campaign in 1991, the number of babies dying suddenly and unexpectedly has fallen by 70%.
Key reminders
- Place your baby on his or her back to sleep. If you find that your baby has rolled onto their tummy, turn them onto their back again and tuck them in, but don't feel you have to get up all night to check. At about five or six months it is normal for babies to roll over but still put them to sleep on their backs to start with. Some parents worry that their baby is more likely to choke on vomit if they’re on their back but this is not so.Keep your baby smoke-free. It is best to start early, so cut smoking in pregnancy, and that means fathers too. Statistics show that if both parents smoke during the pregnancy then the cot death risk increases by eight times. When your baby is born, you will need to keep any room that they enter smoke-free. You should ask friends or relatives to smoke outside. Do not let your baby get too hot. Babies can overheat with too much bedding, or because the room is too hot. The ideal room temperature is between 16-20 degrees - cooler than most people think. This is right for a baby wearing a vest, nappy and babygrow with a sheet and two blankets. If the room is hotter, your baby may need fewer blankets.
For your peace of mind
Buy a room thermometer from FSID (send a £2.50 cheque payable to FSID to Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT).Regularly check your baby by feeling the tummy. If it feels hot or sweaty remove a layer of bedding or clothing. Don't worry if your baby's hands or feet are cool. This is normal. Remember that babies who are unwell and have a fever need fewer, not more bedclothes.Don't use duvets, quilts or pillows until your baby is 12 months old.Don't place the cot in direct sunlight or next to a heater or radiator.Remove hats or extra layers of clothing when you come in from outdoors, or if you take your baby into warm places such as a car, bus, train or shop.Place your baby to sleep with their feet at the foot of the cot. This is to prevent them from wriggling down under the blankets which may make them too hot.If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice promptly
It is important that you attend all the regular check ups so that you can monitor your baby's healthy progress. At the same time you need to call for medical help if your baby seems unwell in any way. Do not worry about bothering the doctor, your baby's health is more important.
Call your doctor if your baby:
- has a 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 and 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 high fever or is sweating a lot.
Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance if your baby:
- Stops breathing or goes blue.Is unresponsive and shows no awareness of what is going on.Has glazed eyes and does not focus on anything.Cannot be woken.Has a fit. Even if you baby recovers without medical attention, still contact a doctor.
If you would like more information you can contact The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (SIDS) 24-hour helpline on 020 7233 2090Or visit their website
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