Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print

Is cot death preventable?

Is cot death preventable?
Average rating: 3 out of 5 star rating

Also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), cot death is a prospect that haunts most parents at some time. But there's been lots of research into the subject over the last 15 years and enough is now known for parents to dramatically reduce the risk.

Here are some tips to calm your fears (and don't forget, boys and premature babies are at slightly higher risk). So:

1. Lie your baby down on her back to sleep.

2. Place her 'feet to foot'. His feet should reach the end of the cot, with blankets to her chest.

3. Don't let your baby overheat: never place a cot next to a radiator; don't use a duvet or any headwear.

4. Don't smoke in pregnancy or around a young baby (dads, too!).

5. Keep baby's cradle or cot in your room for the first six months.

6. Use firm bedding for him. No pillows, bean bags or water beds.

7. Don't put your baby into your bed to sleep.

8. Don't fall asleep on an armchair or sofa with your baby. You might smoother her.

9. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor promptly.

10. Don't worry! Cot death is rare. especially after 5 months.

Average rating:

3 out of 5 star rating

All pages in this article


Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

courtney, about 1 year

this is a good page for my child development course and its a good thing for parents to look at if they are worried about putting there child into a cot just incase it has cot death.

Report this comment

suzanne johnson, about 1 year

this is a good page for my child development course and its a good thing for parents to look at if they are worried about putting there child into a cot just incase it has cot death.

Report this comment

Bethan, about 1 year

very good article. x

Report this comment

Add a comment

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited, owner of goodtoknow.co.uk, will collect your personal information solely to process your request


Today's family poll

What would you do if your child was being bullied?


  • Report it to the school 66%
  • Speak to the bully's parents 9%
  • Speak straight to the bully 5%
  • Tell my child to ignore them 2%
  • Tell my child to be nasty back to the bullies 8%
  • Get my child to tell their teacher 9%
  • Nothing, it'll probably blow over soon 1%

Win! Festive London trip

Win! a night in London with Dove Intensive Range

Go skating at an outdoor rink in the city and get Dove goodies too

Enter competition


Family

Boost his fertility

Boost his fertility

Sperm counts have halved in the last 50 years - these tips could help you get pregnant