Rise in unexplained infant deaths prompts warning over health cuts

The Lullaby Trust raised its concerns following the publication of latest official figures for unexplained infant deaths in England and Wales, which showed the first rise in the death rate for three years.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the unexplained infant mortality rate in 2016 was 0.31 per 1,000 live births, up from 0.28 per 1,000 live births in 2015.

This represents an increase from 195 unexplained deaths in 2015 to 219 deaths in 2016.

The ONS said the rise is primarily due to a 35.5 per cent rise in "unascertained" deaths among infant girls. Unascertained deaths are those with no clear evidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the rise could be related to changes in how coroners certify cause of death.

However, the trust, which supports families affected by SIDS, said it is "deeply concerned" about the rise.

"The previous downward trend in SIDS deaths has been largely attributed to increased awareness of safer sleep advice, so it is essential that this remains a top priority for local authorities and all professionals working with families," said Francine Bates, chief executive of the trust.

"SIDS rates are highest in the most deprived areas and we worry that pressures on local authorities' public health budgets and the increasing number of families being pushed into poverty will lead to slower progress or even further increases in the number of deaths.

"We urge local authorities to ensure there is adequate funding for health visitors and early years staff who provide crucial safer sleep advice to families with new babies."