Great progress has been made in identifying factors that can significantly reduce the risk of cot death. Cot death is rare and a few simple precautions will encourage peace of mind:

• always lay your baby to sleep on her back.
  
  
• do not smoke in the same room as your baby sleeps.
  
  
• regulate you baby's temperature by keeping the room at around 18°c. Do not place the cot next to the radiator, heater or sunny window.
  
  
• place your baby "feet to foot" in the cot so she can not shuffle under the covers. Feet should be placed at the foot of the cot and covers should come no higher than the chest.
  
  
  
  
• do not use pillows, duvets, electric blankets or long haired toys for a baby under one year old.
  
  
• do not let your baby sleep in your bed if you have been drinking alcohol or taken drugs which can cause drowsiness.
  
  
• if your baby sleeps when you bring her in from outdoors, remove all her outerwear, blankets and raincover.