Number of cot death cases rise for the first time in three years – how you can protect your baby
THE number of babies dying of cot death has risen for the first time in three years, new figures revealed today.
Experts are concerned “increasing pressure on local authorities’ health budgets” was to blame for the rise.
There were 219 deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in England and Wales in 2016 – the highest since 2013.
That's up from 195 the previous year and the highest number since 2013 when there were 252.
The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), include deaths among children less than one year old when no medical reason can be found.
There has been an overall drop in cot deaths over the last 10 years, with numbers steadily falling 23.2 per cent since 2006.
But more needs to be done to raise awareness of cot death and its potential causes, charity bosses say.
The Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of SIDS, said it was "deeply concerned" by the recent rise.
Francine Bates, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, said: “The previous downward trend in SIDS deaths has been largely attributed to increased awareness of safer sleep advice so it is essential that this remains a top priority for local authorities and all professionals working with families.
“SIDS rates are highest in the most deprived areas and we worry that pressures on local authorities' public health budgets, and the increasing number of families being pushed into poverty, will lead to slower progress or even further increases in the number of deaths.
“We urge local authorities to ensure there is adequate funding for health visitors and early years staff who provide crucial safer sleep advice to families with new babies.”
Around half of sudden infant deaths in 2016 were boys, down from 66.7 per cent the previous year.
Girls accounted for 48.4 per cent, up from 33.3 per cent in 2015.
The highest unexplained infant mortality rates were in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, and North West of England.
The largest increase was in the West Midlands, where rates rose by 21.6 per cent between 2015 and 2016.
Vasita Patel, from the ONS, said: “While unexplained infant deaths increased in 2016 for the first time in three years the total remains low in historical terms.
“The increase was driven by a rise in unascertained deaths among infant girls.”
How can you protect your baby from SIDS?
To reduce the risk of cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.
The Lullaby Trust says babies should be put to sleep on their backs in a cot that is free of bumpers, toys and pillows.
Here's the key points you NEED to know:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep
- Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket, or pram
- Keep your baby’s head uncovered. Their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
- Let your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months.
- Use a mattress that's firm, flat, waterproof and in good condition.
- Breastfeed your baby
- Don't smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
- Don't sleep on a bed, sofa or armchair with your baby
- Don't let your baby get too hot or too cold
Sudden infant death syndrome, also called cot death, is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
Most deaths happen during the first six months of a baby’s life.
Infants born prematurely or with a low birthweight are at greater risk.
SIDS also tends to be slightly more common in baby boys.
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The exact cause is unknown. Experts believe SIDS occurs at a particular stage in a baby’s development, and that it affects babies who are vulnerable to certain environmental stresses.
Environmental stresses could include tobacco smoke, getting tangled in bedding, a minor illness or a breathing obstruction.
There is also thought to be a link with co-sleeping - sleeping with your baby on a bed, sofa or chair.
Babies who die of SIDS are thought to have problems in the way they respond to these stresses and how they regulate their heart rate, breathing and temperature.
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