Safer Sleeping
The sudden and unexpected death of a baby is usually referred to by professionals as ‘sudden unexpected death in infancy’ (SUDI) or ‘sudden unexpected death in childhood’ (SUDC), if the baby was over 12 months old. The death of a baby which is unexpected is also sometimes referred to as ‘sudden infant death’.
Some sudden and unexpected deaths can be explained by the post-mortem examination, revealing, for example, an unforeseen infection or metabolic disorder. Deaths that remain unexplained after the post-mortem are usually registered as ‘sudden infant death syndrome’ (SIDS) or ‘sudden unexplained death in childhood’ (SUDC) in a child over 12 months. Sometimes other terms such as SUDI, SUDC or ‘unascertained’ may be used.
While SIDS is rare, it can still happen. The Lullaby Trust advises on steps you can take to help reduce the risk for your baby. This includes guidance on co-sleeping.
Further information can also be found on the NHS website.
Safer Sleeping Training
Safeguarding Bedfordshire offers a free eLearning course, supporting practitioners to gain knowledge on practical and effective ways to reduce the risks. Our Safer Sleeping for Babies eLearning contains up to date information on how to make sleeping safer for babies and gives advice on lowering the chance of SUDI/ SUDC. This course, designed for nursery practitioners, health workers and any others working with babies and their parents, covers the latest information about Sudden Unexplained Infant Death in Childhood (SUDC). It offers guidance, links and challenge for learners.