prevention/reducing risk of SIDS

Last reviewed 01/2018

Advice to parent (s) to reduce the risk of cot death:

• place your baby on the back to sleep, in a cot in a room with you
• cut smoking in pregnancy – fathers too
• do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
• do not let your baby get too hot
  • keep the room temperature as close to 18 degrees C as possible
  • keep your baby’s head uncovered – place your baby in the “feet to foot” position
• do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, take drugs or if you are a smoker
  • safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in a room with you for the first six months. If you share a bed with your baby the risks are particularly increased if you or your partner:
    • are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed);
    • have recently drunk alcohol;
    • have taken medication or drugs that make you sleep more heavily;
    • are very tired
    • OR
      • if your baby was premature (born before 37 weeks);
      • was low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 5 1/2 lb);
      • is under three months old
• if your baby is unwell, seek prompt advice

Note that cardiac and respiratory monitoring equipment may be recommended to parents of an infant, with a history of a previous child dying of SIDS.

Reference:

1. Department of Health (UK). Reduce the risk of cot death: An easy guide (2007).