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Cot deaths at lowest recorded level in England and Wales Cot deaths at lowest recorded level in England and Wales
(about 1 hour later)
Sudden unexplained infant deaths, or cot deaths, have reached the lowest level on record in England and Wales, according to the latest figures.Sudden unexplained infant deaths, or cot deaths, have reached the lowest level on record in England and Wales, according to the latest figures.
In 2014 the total was 128, compared to 165 the previous year and 207 in 2004. In 2014 there were 128, compared with 165 the previous year and 207 in 2004.
Fewer women smoking and campaigns to teach new parents the safest sleeping position for their newborn - on their backs - are both factors, experts say.Fewer women smoking and campaigns to teach new parents the safest sleeping position for their newborn - on their backs - are both factors, experts say.
The Office for National Statistics said the fall was driving the downward trend in overall unexplained infant deaths.The Office for National Statistics said the fall was driving the downward trend in overall unexplained infant deaths.
Downward trendDownward trend
Figures gathered from the ONS include cot deaths (sudden infant death syndrome) as well as deaths of children younger than one for which the cause remained unknown even after a full investigation.Figures gathered from the ONS include cot deaths (sudden infant death syndrome) as well as deaths of children younger than one for which the cause remained unknown even after a full investigation.
Together these accounted for 8% of all infant deaths occurring in England and Wales in 2014 - 1% lower than in 2013 - with just over half of the victims being boys.Together these accounted for 8% of all infant deaths occurring in England and Wales in 2014 - 1% lower than in 2013 - with just over half of the victims being boys.
Rosie Amery from the ONS said: "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," she said. Rosie Amery, from the ONS, said: "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," she said.
The ONS began recording sudden infant deaths in 2004.The ONS began recording sudden infant deaths in 2004.
Overheating is a known risk factor for cot death and during cold winters the risk of the baby getting too hot under extra clothing and blankets is increased, according to experts.Overheating is a known risk factor for cot death and during cold winters the risk of the baby getting too hot under extra clothing and blankets is increased, according to experts.
There are measures people can take to lower the risk of sudden infant deaths and Francine Bates from the Lullaby Trust charity urged parents to follow the "safer" sleep advice - lying babies on their backs at bed and nap time. There are measures people can take to lower the risk of sudden infant deaths and Francine Bates, from the Lullaby Trust charity, urged parents to follow the "safer" sleep advice - lying babies on their backs at bed and nap time.
Lowering the riskLowering the risk
Source: The Lullaby TrustSource: The Lullaby Trust