This key publication, produced jointly by FSID and the Department of Health, outlines the key steps parents can take to reduce the risk of cot death including the advice to:

• Place your baby on the back to sleep, in a cot in a room with you
• Do not smoke in pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
• Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, if you take drugs or if you are a smoker
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair
• Do not let your baby get too hot
keep your baby’s head uncovered place your baby in the “feet to foot” position

This leaflet has been produced in consultation with:

Dr Helen Ball, Professor of Anthropology, Durham University
Dr Martyn Cobourne, Department of Craniofacial Development and Orthodontics, King’s College London
Children’s Health and Wellbeing, Wales Government
CPHVA – Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association
Department of Health and Social Services Northern Ireland
Professor Peter Fleming, Institute of Child Life and Health, Bristol
Royal College of Midwives
Royal College of Nurses
Scottish Cot Death Trust
Scottish Government Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative

Click here to order your free copy of the Reduce the Risk of cot death booklet.

View the Reduce the risk of cot death leaflet

For larger orders, contact the Department of Health Orderline