The controlled New Zealand research revealed that:
- 73% of all cot deaths were of babies lying on their stomachs;
- 63% were of babies whose mothers smoked;
- Those babies sleeping in the parents' bed (as opposed to merely being fed there) were three times more likely to die than those who slept in a cot;
- 33.6% were not being breastfed.
The New Zealand research indicates that the UK rate of 2000 cot deaths a year could be reduced to 500 a year, if a sufficiently widespread and persuasive campaign were conducted to inform parents and health professionals of these risk factors.
The UK government's leaflet does not mention the last of the four New Zealand factors, about the importance of breastfeeding, but adds that babies must not be allowed to get too warm (through use of duvets or too heavy blankets).
Literature is available from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, 35 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QB (tel 071 388 8282); or the Department of Health leaflet 'Reducing the Risk of Cot Death' is available from Health Publications Unit, No 2 Site, Heywood Stores, Manchester Road, Heywood, Lancashire OL10 2PZ.