Genetic link discovered in relation to Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy

Parents who have lost a child through sudden and unexpected infant death are 10 times more likely to lose another child in the same way, as new research reveals a genetic link in the tragic deaths.

PARENTS who have lost a child through sudden and unexpected infant death are 10 times more likely to lose another child in the same way, as new research reveals a genetic link in the tragic deaths.

Queensland parents are heavily impacted by the heartbreaking loss of babies through Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), with the latest figures showing that more than one quarter of the children lost in Australia in one year were Queenslanders.

Red Nose has exclusively responded to The Courier-Mail about new research that has been published in the British Medical Journal highlighting the need for extra support for these vulnerable families.

Despite significant efforts over the past 30 years to reduce the death rate, 90 infants still die each year in Australia and it remains the leading cause of death of children aged under 12 months.

Despite significant efforts over the past 30 years to reduce the death rate, 90 infants still die each year in Australia.

SUDI is the umbrella term for sleep-related deaths.

“Parents and carers can reduce the risk of SUDI occurring by following our safe- sleep recommendations: always put baby on their back to sleep, keep baby smoke free and create a safe sleeping environment,” Red Nose Chief Midwife Jane Wiggill said.