Safer sleep advice for anyone looking after a young baby

Safer Sleep Week (14th - 20th March 2022) is The Lullaby Trust’s national campaign, raising awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) also known as ‘cot death’ and the safer sleep advice that reduces the risk of it occurring.

What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as "cot death" – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.

In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.

Most deaths happen during the first 6 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.

SIDS usually occurs when a baby is asleep, although it can occasionally happen while they're awake.

Parents can reduce the risk of SIDS by not smoking while pregnant or after the baby is born, and always placing the baby on their back when they sleep.

While SIDS is rare, it can still happen and there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk for your baby.