Safer sleep overview
Our safer sleep advice explains the steps you can take to keep your baby safer, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
How common is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant where no cause is found after detailed post mortem.
189
babies die from SIDS every year in the UK
65 %
of unexplained infant deaths were boys in 2022
91 %
of SIDS happen in the first six months of life
1 per 3562
The current unexplained infant death rate in the UK for live births.
More statistics
Sleeping on backs
An infant placed on their front to sleep is up to six times more at risk of SIDS than one placed on their back.
Sleeping position
'Back to Sleep' message
The rate of SIDS in England and Wales has reduced by 80% since the Back to Sleep message was launched in 1991.
More about the basics
Low birth weight
Babies born at low birthweight (2.5kg or 5.5 pounds) are four times more at risk of SIDS than babies born over this weight.
Low birth weight babies
Mothers under 20
In 2022, the unexplained infant mortality rate was highest for mothers aged under 20 years, at 0.81 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is almost 3 times higher than all other age groups.
Sofas and armchairs
Sleeping on a sofa or armchair with a baby can increase the chance of SIDS by up to 50 times.
Co-sleeping
Weekly death rate
Approximately nine babies die suddenly and unexpectedly in England and Wales per week.
Baby safety resources
2022 death rate
There were 171 unexplained infant deaths in England and Wales in 2022, a rate of 0.28 deaths per 1,000 live births: a decrease from 0.30 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021.
Bereavement support
Room-sharing up to six months
The peak age for SIDS is 1-2 months, however it’s important that families are encouraged to continue with room-sharing up to six months as 91% of SIDS occur during this period.
Late registrations of deaths have become more prevalent recently. For 2021, late registrations meant that the unexplained infant mortality rate was revised from 0.27 deaths per 1,000 live births to 0.30 deaths per 1,000 live births.
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SIDS and SUDC statistics, facts and figures
A report on the statistics, facts and figures on SIDS and SUDC in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Find out more
SIDS and safer sleep training
Safer sleep advice saves babies lives. Reduce the risk of SIDS by giving our evidence-based safer sleep advice in your practice, and help us empower families.