Cot death: Reducing the risk
goodtoknow says: Cot death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS) is devastating though thankfully rare. Experts don't really know why cot death happens but cigarette smoke is considered one of the main risk factors. Many parents let newborn babies sleep next to them but it's now recommended that they sleep in a cot, preferably next to your bed. You should also make sure your baby sleeps on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot and that the room they sleep in isn't too hot. New studies suggest that giving a dummy could also reduce the risk.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of cot death from patient.co.uk, read on.
The cause of cot death is not known. However, you can reduce the risk of cot death by the measures detailed below. The most important are to lie your baby on his or her back to sleep, and to create a smoke free zone for your baby.
What is cot death?
Cot death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS) is when a baby dies suddenly for no known reason. Cot death is uncommon. Most cases occur in babies under the age of five months.
- Next: What can I do to prevent it?
More help and advice
- Sleep problems in babies
- Sleep strategies that work
- Possible problems in your baby's first year
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Lesley Braund, over 2 years
Re dummies v cot death Please will you give me more information on the new studies suggesting giving a baby a dummy when sleeping helps to prevent cot deathThank You
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Shanice Edwards, about 1 year
Make sure you dont put a blanket past the babies sholders and make sure that you put the babie in the middle of the crib,make sure tht the babies feet are touchen the botton of the cot and make sure that you lay the babie on its back to go to sleep
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