Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is also known as cot death. It is the sudden unexpected death of an apparently well baby aged from birth to two years. However, 90% of deaths from SIDS occur during the first six months.
Each year, approximately 300 babies die from SIDS in the UK. It is the most common cause of death in babies over one month old. Boys tend to be more at risk of SIDS than girls. The risk is also greater for babies who are born prematurely, or who are born with a low birth weight.
Although it is the most common cause of death in young babies, SIDS is still very rare, and the risk of your baby dying from SIDS is small.
There are lots of practical steps you can take which will greatly help to reduce the risk of SIDS. These are outlined in the 'prevention' section.
