Magazine Focus reports that in 1990 there were nearly 1,300 cases of sudden infant death syndrome, or cot death, when healthy babies die while sleeping.
Although the causes are still not known, certain precautions are thought to help prevent it, and extensive education campaigns seem to have worked, the magazine writes.
Babies sleeping on their stomach are seven times more likely to die suddenly as those put to sleep on their backs.
It is also thought to be dangerous to have babies sleep in the same bed as their parents, with a three-times higher risk of cot death.
A similarly increased risk is seen in babies who have a blanket in their cots.
Epidemiologist Mechtild Vennemann told Focus, “Although the causes are largely known, many parents feel unsure about it.”
Please whitelist us to continue reading.