Scottish Cot Death Trust

Media Statement
Scottish Cot Death Trust responds to breastfeeding research and offers safe-sleeping advice to all parents.

Download Media Statement (PDF)

A special way of remembering
We have teamed up with another charity to offer bereaved families the chance to create a lasting tribute to their loved one. Through the MuchLoved website you can set up your own online tribute to your baby, and invite family and friends to view it and even add to it.

Raising money – just a click away
Help raise vital funds for the Scottish Cot Death Trust by simply doing your internet searches on Everyclick. It really couldn't be easier!

New Resource for Nursery Staff
Cot deaths can occur at any time of the day or night and with so many babies being looked after in the nursery setting, the Scottish Cot Death Trust has produced a new resource aimed at helping nursery staff to understand about the risks of cot death and the role they can play in reducing the risks. The guide contains the most up to date “Safe Sleeping” messages and provides practical information for anyone looking after babies.

Download Guide for Nurseries (PDF)

The Welly Waddle
The Welly Waddle is a brand new, fun sponsored walk for pre-fives in aid of the Scottish Cot Death Trust.

The beauty of the Welly Waddle is that it doesn't matter if the sun is splitting the trees or if the rain is pouring down - it's a great excuse to get your wellies on and have a bit of fun.

Autumn Newsletter
Our Autumn newsletter is still available to read or download.

Download Newsletter (PDF)

SCDT expresses concern over rise in cases across Scotland
Scottish Cot Death Trust issues a reminder to parents on how to reduce the risks of cot death following an increase in cases across Scotland..

Download Media Statement (PDF)

Awareness Posters
awareness week posters We have A3 posters and A5 flyers to coincide with National Cot Death Awareness Week which you can download here or, alternatively, email us with your requirements and we can post them to you free of charge.

The Scottish Cot Death Trust is the only Scottish charity working to find the cause of Cot Death, to support the families affected by this tragedy and to provide education on the topic for both the public and health care professionals.

Each year in the UK, 300 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. After careful investigation, including a post mortem examination, 80% of these will remain unexplained.

Cot Death, more correctly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) was defined in 1969 as "the sudden death of a infant or young child which is unexpected by history and in which a thorough post mortem examination fails to demonstrate an adequate cause for death"

SIDS is now rarely used on death certificates in Scotland. Terms such as Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy and Unascertained are now much more likely to be used.

The Trust offers support to all families who have suffered the sudden unexpected death of their baby or young child and to the professionals dealing with such a tragedy.

A range of leaflets have been produced for families and a bereavement support worker is available to visit the family in their home or provide telephone support. In addition, parents can be put in contact with a befriender – a parent who has suffered a Cot Death in the past and who is now willing to offer support and hope to the newly bereaved family.

We have compiled a list of questions that are frequently asked, such as:

What is Cot Death?
How common is Cot Death?
What happens when a Cot Death occurs?
Can I take my baby in an aeroplane?
What kind of bedding is safest for my baby?
Is it safe for my twins to share a cot?

While no-one understands what causes Cot Death, research has shown that by following the advice below the risk can be substantially reduced:

Place baby on the back to sleep
Avoid smoking during pregnancy - fathers too!
Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
Avoid overheating baby
Keep baby's head uncovered - place baby's feet at the bottom of the cot
Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, take drugs or if you are a smoker
Consult a doctor if baby seems unwell

fundraising standards board There are many ways of raising funds for the Trust.

You can either decide to organise your own event – walks, cycles, slims are good ideas – or participate in one of the many Marathons which take place country-wide.

The Scottish Cot Death Trust is one of the first Scottish charities to become a member of the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB).

HOME: ABOUT US: INFO & ADVICE: FACTS: FAQS: SUPPORT: RESEARCH: EDUCATION: HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Scottish Cot Death Trust, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow G3 8SJ
Scottish Charity No. SC003458. Tel No: 0141 357 3946 Fax No: 0141 334 1376

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