Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is also known as cot death. It is the sudden unexpected death of an apparently well infant, for which there is no explanation. Most babies die in their sleep peacefully.
Babies at higher risk
Nine out of ten deaths from SIDS occur during the first six months. 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.
How common is it?
SIDS is rare. For example, more than 300 babies died suddenly and unexpectedly in the UK in 2007. This makes SIDS the most common cause of death in babies over one month old, although the risk of your baby dying from this is still small.
There are lots of practical steps you can take that will help reduce the risk of SIDS (see SIDS - prevention for more information).
