Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), sometimes called cot death, is the unexpected death of a baby or young child. It usually occurs during a period of sleep but can happen anywhere and at any time.
Background
SIDS is rare and the risks can be reduce. DHSSPS issues advice on the prevention of SIDS for parents and carers. The 'Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome' leaflet provides guidance and steps to reduce the risk of SIDS, and is given to new mothers on discharge from hospital.
Information on how to reduce the risk of SIDS is also available on NI Direct.
Data on deaths due to SIDS in Northern Ireland is collected by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).