What is cot death?

Cot death is a term commonly used to describe a sudden and unexpected infant death that is that is initially unexplained. The equivalent medical term is "sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)". Some sudden and unexpected infant deaths can be explained by a thorough post mortem examination. Cot deaths that remain unexplained after post-mortem examination are usually registered as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How can I reduce the risk of cot death?

What causes cot death?

A thorough post mortem examination will reveal a specific cause of death in less than half of all cot deaths. Causes may include accidents, infection, congenital abnormality or metabolic disorder. For the cases that remain unexplained (SIDS), researchers think there are likely to be undiscovered causes. For many it is likely that a combination of factors affect a baby at a vulnerable stage of development.

Do babies only die at night in their cots?

No, cot death can occur anywhere and at any time. Cot deaths do however usually occur during a period of sleep in their cot but babies can die during any other period of sleep in their parent’s arms or in a pram.

Do babies suffocate?

When babies are found dead in their parents’ bed or with their faces covered it is sometimes thought they have died from suffocation. It is not known how often suffocation is in fact a total explanation for the baby’s death..

Do babies suffer any pain?

No, most die peacefully in their sleep without pain or distress.

Does it only happen to certain babies?

No, cot death can affect any baby, but certain babies are more at risk, namely premature and low birth-weight babies and boys, and later babies born to mothers who are still young.

What is the usual age for cot deaths?

Cot death is uncommon in babies less than a month old, but rises to a peak at two months. The risk then diminishes as the baby grows older. Nearly 90% of cot deaths have occurred by six months, and very few occur after a year.

Does cot death run in families?

Cot death can happen to any family, though it is more frequent in families who live in difficult circumstances or who smoke a lot. It is uncommon in Asian families, for reasons that are not yet understood. It is very rare for cot death to occur twice in the same family, though occasionally an inherited disorder, such as a metabolic defect, may cause more than one infant to die unexpectedly.

Why are the police involved?

The law requires that a coroner investigates all sudden and unexpected deaths in infants (and adults) to certify the cause of death. The coroner's representative, usually a police officer, will ask the parents for information. The police are authorised to investigate unexpected deaths; they usually visit the home, and may sometimes take photographs and remove items such as bedding.

Is there any support for parents who have had a cot death and are having another baby?

Yes, the Care of the Next Infant (CONI) programme, run by FSID in conjunction with the NHS in 91% of the country. This scheme offers advice, support and practical help to cot death parents in the care of their next baby. This programme is also available to families whose babies have died for other reasons, the extended families of cot death babies, and parents of babies who have experienced Apparent Life Threatening Events (ALTEs). Ring FSID's Helpline on 0870 787 0554 for more information about the CONI programme.

• The DoH leaflet, Reduce The Risk Of Cot Death, is available by calling 08701 555 455 or by e-mailing dh@prolog.uk.com. The FSID leaflet BabyZone can be ordered free on 0870 787 0885 or fsid@sids.org.uk

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