What does ‘cot death’ mean?
Cot death is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby for no obvious reason. The post mortem examination may explain some deaths, but those which remain unexplained after the post mortem examination may be registered as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden infant death, sudden unexpected death in infancy, unascertained or cot death.

Cot death can occur at any time of the year, in any place and in any family. However, boys are slightly more at risk than girls and 80% of cot death babies are aged between one and six months.

Why did our baby die?
In a small number of cot deaths the post mortem examination reveals an unsuspected abnormality, rare disease, or rapid overwhelming infection which explains why the baby died. For other babies, the death is more difficult to explain. Evidence of a mild infection may be found in some babies which may be mentioned on the death certificate. It is puzzling that some babies die with a mild infection while others recover. Research has led to the view that cot death is seldom due to a single cause.

Did our baby suffer?
Most babies appear to die peacefully in their sleep without pain or distress; some have died in their parents’ arms. Even when skilled people have been present it has not always been possible to revive the baby.

Did our baby suffocate?
If your baby was found face-down or covered with bedclothes you may think that death was due to suffocation. However, bedclothes lightly covering the face are unlikely to be the cause of death.

Did our baby choke or vomit on the last feed?
Vomit or blood-tinged froth is sometimes found around the mouth or on the bedding. This happens during or after death and is not the cause of death. The skin can become discoloured after death by blotchy marks but this is normal and may disappear, as may the stiffness that occurs when anyone dies.

Breastfeeding
Cot deaths occur among both breast and bottle fed babies. If you suddenly stop breastfeeding your breasts can become very uncomfortable. Ask your doctor for advice about drying up the milk.

Are our other children at risk?
Cot deaths rarely occur in babies over one year old. Cot death is not catching and neither you nor your older children are at risk or a danger to others. If your baby is one of twins, triplets or more, the other babies should be admitted to hospital for observation. 

These questions and answers are the first part of our 'When a baby dies' booklet.  Call the Helpline on 020 7233 2090 or email helpline@fsid.org.uk for your free copy or if you have any questions of your own which you would like to ask.