Cot deaths at an all time low after ‘number of pregnant mothers listening to smoking advice rises’
Milder weather also a factor as central heating is not on as often
COT deaths have fallen to a record low, with the number of babies dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome was 128 in 2014 down from 207 in 2004.
Experts believe it is due to parents heeding advice about smoking during pregnancy and making sure babies don’t overheat overnight.
Francine Bates, chief executive of charity The Lullaby Trust, said: "Whilst it is extremely good news that SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) has gone down in England and Wales, evidence has shown that many more babies' lives could be saved if all families had access to and followed safer sleep advice.
"It is very important that we work together to ensure safer sleep messages consistently reach all families, particularly those at increased risk such as young parents and families living in areas with higher SIDS rates."
The figures are part of a report on unexplained infant deaths, as well as 'cot deaths'. It revealed that there were 212 unexplained deaths in 2016, falling from 252 the previous year.
Just over half of all unexplained deaths were boys in 2014.
The fall in number is thought to be linked to the mild weather this year.
The risk factors for unexplained infant death are overheating and an unsafe sleeping environment. These situations are more likely to arise during winter months; baby's heads are more likely to be covered and parents may use extra clothing and blankets as well as turning central heating up at night.
Rosie Amery, from the Office for National Statistics, said: "Unexplained infant deaths in 2014 were the lowest on record, driven by a decrease in sudden infant deaths.
"A number of factors may have contributed to the fall including warmer than average temperatures throughout the year, fewer women smoking at the time of delivery and greater awareness of safer sleeping practices."