Number of Cot Deaths Falls to Record Lows

Better prevention education has led to a significant drop in the number of babies dying from sudden infant death syndrome. The latest figures from Britain show that the number of cot deaths recorded there dropped from 207 in 2004 to 128 in 2014, proof that mums and dads are carefully heeding the advice being given to them with regard to safe sleeping practices and keeping infants away from cigarette smoking. Figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that, of 212 unexplained infant deaths in 2014, three in every five were cot deaths. Just over half (55 per cent) of all unexplained infant deaths were boys.

Experts believe that the unusually warm weather that year may also be a factor; covering babies up in the winter months to keep them cosy has the dual effect of increasing their chance of overheating.

Rosie Amery, from the ONS’s health analysis team, 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.” If you or anyone you know has experienced this devastating trauma, please visit firstlight.ie or to donate, text FIRST to 50300. And keep talking.  MORE