Car seats and sudden infant death 

19 July 2007

Comment from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths on the Archives of Disease in Childhood paper by Aurore Côté et al, Sudden Infant Deaths in Sitting Devices, published 19 July 2007

The new study (Côté et al, Sudden infant deaths in sitting devices) examined 508 infant deaths occurring in the province of Québec between 1991 and 2000, to investigate whether infants placed in the sitting position were more likely to die than those placed in the horizontal (lying down) position, and whether there was any additional risk to premature infants. 409 of the deaths were classified as unexplained after full and appropriate investigation.

The authors found an apparent excess of deaths among infants aged less than one month but no additional increase in risk if the infant was premature. The absolute number of deaths occurring in the sitting position was small (17 of 508 deaths, 3.3%, and 10 of 409 unexplained deaths, 2.4%) but 5 of 49 (10.2%) unexplained deaths affecting infants aged less than one month were in the sitting position. This suggests that placing very young infants (<1 month of age) in the sitting position increases risk compared with placing them in the horizontal position, whether or not the baby was born prematurely. These findings are consistent with previous studies that suggest that very young infants may experience respiratory difficulties if placed in car seats or similar devices, and that these should not be used in the home as an alternative to a cot.

The findings of the new study confirm that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a properly designed cot or crib, on their back, and preferably in the same room as a parent or other carer. Car seats are not ideal places for safe infant sleep in the home.

If a baby is being transported in a car, he or she should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and be observable by a competent adult.


Media enquiries:
Nicola Peckett, Communications Manager, out of hours 07981 899 827.
Stacey Kerr, Communications Officer, 020 7227 5210.


Note to editors:
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is the UK’s leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote health. FSID funds research (nearly £10 million to date), supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.

FSID runs a Helpline (020 7233 2090) for parents and professionals seeking advice on safe baby care. The Helpline also supports bereaved families.

 

More Press releases »