Significant increase in rates of 'cot death' in Ireland

A healthy baby sleeping in a Finnish baby box that its government gives to parents in Finland. Many SIDS deaths may be associated with modifiable risk factors, including infant sleep position, sleep environment, and exposure to tobacco smoke. File Picture: Alamy/PA

The National Paediatric Mortality Register has called for a renewed focus to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death, after rates increased significantly.

While Ireland has achieved major long-term improvements in child and young-person mortality rates, the register warned that the "re-emergence" of SIDS as the leading cause of postneonatal death demonstrates a need for more responsive and detailed mortality surveillance. 

The SIDS rate in Ireland has increased significantly in recent years, according to the register's annual report for 2026.

It reached a peak of 0.46 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023 — more than double the 0.20 rate recorded for 2019.

The number of SIDS deaths reported in 2023 (25 cases) is the highest figure recorded since 2008, although it remains below an average of 150 SIDS deaths per year in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Data from 2023 and 2024 showed an increase in both the number of SIDS deaths and the rate per 1,000 live births. The 2024 rate of 0.37 deaths per 1,000 live births is subject to change.

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SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby who seems healthy during sleep. According to the HSE, it cannot be completely prevented, as its exact cause is not known.

Evidence across several decades indicates that many SIDS deaths are associated with modifiable risk factors, according to the register's annual report, published by the National Office of Clinical Audit. These include infant sleep position, sleep environment, and exposure to tobacco smoke.

The "concerning" increase is compounded by the lack of granular information on contributory risk factors, the report notes. 

"The increase in SIDS rates signals the need for strengthened surveillance and renewed national prevention efforts."

The National Paediatric Mortality Register is actively supporting the HSE Child Health Public Health investigation into SIDS deaths in order to help identify high-risk groups and inform national prevention efforts, it added. 

It recommended "co-ordinated action" across maternity, neonatal, primary care and community services.