shop|donations|site map|contact
scottish cot death trust
telephone
news and events

New Online Shop

We have added an online shop to our website where you can buy a selection of items to help our funds.

online shop

Autumn '08 Newsletter

Our Autumn '08 newsletter is available to read or download.

Special Announcement - Diary Dates

Befriending Training Day
*** New Date ***
Sunday, 9th May 2009

Click the 'read more' link to find out how to get involved.

befriender training

Family Day

More than 70 mums, dads, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles and grandparents attended our first ever Family Support Day. The event was held on 5th October 2008 at the Glasgow Science Centre.

family day

Stamp out Cot Death

read more about stamping out cot death
The Trust has launched a new Schools 4 Fundraising campaign to help us Stamp Out Cot Death. We have developed some fun and educational ideas to get you going, including a Mini Marathon; Splash for Cash and a Welly Wildlife Walk. Click here for more information or to register for your FREE "FUNdraising" pack...

read more about stamping out cot death

welcome to the scottish cot death trust

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.

about scottish cot death trust

the facts about sids

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.

facts about cot death

getting support

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.

getting support

frequently asked questions

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?

find answers to frequently asked questions

reducing the risks

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

reduce the risks

help required

fundraising standards boardThere 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).

how to help

information research education

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

Website design, development and maintenance by Isoworld Web Design