Rise in baby deaths from unexplained causes

A STEEP rise in the number of babies dying from unexplained causes has been revealed in official figures.

There were 219 deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or without a known cause in England and Wales in 2016.

This was an increase from 195 the year before and the highest number since 2013, says the Office for National Statistics. The number of babies dying from it had dropped by almost a quarter in the decade since 2006, with greater awareness thought to be behind the fall. The 2016 increase, running against this trend, is deeply concerning for charity The Lullaby Trust, which raises awareness of SIDS. Risk factors include unsafe sleeping, overheating and smoking while pregnant.

Francine Bates, trust chief executive, said: ‘We worry pressures on local authorities’ public health budgets ... will lead to slower progress or even further increases in the number of deaths.’