Newly released 2022 figures from the ONS statistics show that the number of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths changed marginally from 189 (a rate of 0.30 deaths per 1,000 babies) in 2021, to 171 (a rate of 0.28 deaths per 1,000 babies) in 2022. The rate previously reported for 2021 was revised from 0.27 to 0.30, with ONS recognising a rise in the late registration of deaths.
Is rising deprivation to blame?
The Lullaby Trust is concerned that SIDS deaths aren’t decreasing fast enough, and worries that rising deprivation is to blame. Jenny Ward, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, explains, “171 babies dying from SIDS is 171 too many. We will not rest until that number is zero, but with more families than ever in temporary accommodation, we’re growing increasingly concerned about the impact that this is having on safer sleep spaces for babies across the country. In England alone, there are 142,490 children currently living in temporary accommodation.”
Jenny continued, “Families in deprivation are 23% more likely to experience infant deaths, and often lack access to safer sleep spaces. They may be forced into unsafe sleeping practices with their baby, such as high risk co-sleeping with multiple family members, pets sleeping with babies, or parents overwrapping their baby to keep them warm with struggling to afford the heating bill. Families might create their own ‘make-shift’ bed, but this often includes blankets, pillows or make-shift bumpers, all of which are unsafe sleeping practices and put the baby at higher risk of SIDS.”
The Lullaby Trust has easy-to-follow advice for those unplanned instances staying away from home with a baby, which can also be followed for families living in a home that doesn’t suit their needs.
Recognising the threat that deprivation poses to babies and families across the country, The Lullaby Trust has been providing Bedtime Bundles to babies in vulnerable situations. Jenny explains, “We’ve distributed 200 bundles containing essential safer sleep items to families living in temporary accommodation or emergency circumstances. These included travel cots, baby sleep bags and room thermometers.”
We can all do our bit
Though The Lullaby Trust is doing what they can, deprivation is growing at an alarming rate. The charity is encouraging all those who work with parents, carers, or those who know a new or expectant parent, to take the time to talk about safer sleep. Jenny says, “We can all do our bit to ensure that every baby has a safer sleep space, because it saves lives. Anyone working with parents and carers should signpost to our website or helpline, safe in the knowledge that we will be there – for every baby and for every family.”
Read the full ONS report.
