How can I reduce the chances of cot death - or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

I've heard all the warnings about lying my baby on her back and in a separate cot to sleep, and not letting her get too hot, and I know it means there's less chance of cot death if she sleeps this way - but why?

Lucy McKeon, research and information manager at the safer baby sleep charity the Lullaby Trust, says: "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - also known as cot death - is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby where no cause is found, and it sadly affects around 270 babies and toddlers in the UK every year.

You're right in taking the measures you describe, as they are known reduce the chance of SIDS, but despite many years of research, the precise cause of SIDS is still unknown.

"While we can't definitively answer 'why', and there's no advice that completely guarantees the prevention of SIDS, evidence shows that there are actions you can take to greatly reduce the chance of it happening.

'It's also best not to let babies get too hot - the ideal room temperature for sleep is between 16 and 20°C'

"We always advise parents to put their baby to sleep on their back (unless there's specific medical advice to the contrary), in their own cot or Moses basket, and in the same room as them for the first six months.

"It's also best not to let babies get too hot - the ideal room temperature for sleep is between 16 and 20°C, in combination with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag.

"Other key measures are keeping babies smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth, and using a firm, flat and waterproof mattress."

Advice and information on how to reduce the chance of SIDS will be promoted during Safer Sleep Week (March 14-20, 2016). Parents can also visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk

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