Description of FSID's work for the Internet Health Library
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) is the UK's leading cot death charity working to prevent sudden and unexpected deaths in infancy and promote baby health. FSID funds research into the causes and prevention of cot death, promotes advice on how to reduce the risk of cot death and create safer sleeping environments and support bereaved families.

Cot death is rare but it does happen. Sadly, eight babies die suddenly and unexpectedly and for no apparent reason every week in the UK. The good news is that there are positive steps parents and carers can take. Since the launch of FSID's 'Reduce the Risk of Cot Death' campaign in 1991, the number of babies dying suddenly and unexpectedly has fallen by a massive 70%. The campaign message is to:
Place your baby on the back to sleep
 Cut smoking in pregnancy - fathers too!
 Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
 Do not let your baby get too hot
 Keep your baby's head uncovered - place your baby with feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent wriggling down under the covers
 If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice promptly
Connect to FSID's website at www.sids.org.uk/fsid/ for more advice on reducing the risk of cot death or call the 24 hour helpline on 020 7233 2090.


If you are reading this and have experienced the death of a baby then our heart goes out to you. FSID's Helpline also offers advice, information and someone to talk to for families who have had a baby die. Staff can put you in touch with a local befriender who may also have experienced the death of a baby. You can also receive a helpline phonecard so that you can call any time of the day or night, free of charge.

To find out more about cot death, baby health and the work of FSID connect to the website at www.sids.org.uk/fsid/ 

Photo of baby lying in the 'feet to foot' position to reduce the risk of cot death. Please credit to FSID/Sandra Lousada.

return to top