WIREDGOV

Key Points

• 221 unexplained infant deaths occurred in England and Wales in 2012, a rate of 0.30 deaths per 1,000 live births.
• Almost three-quarters (71%) of these unexplained deaths were recorded as sudden infant deaths, and 29% were recorded as unascertained.
• Unexplained infant deaths accounted for 8% of all infant deaths occurring in 2012.
• Eight out of ten unexplained infant deaths occurred in the post-neonatal period (between 28 days and 1 year).
• Almost two-thirds (64%) of unexplained infant deaths were boys in 2012 (141 deaths).
• The rate of unexplained infant death was three times higher among low birthweight babies (less than 2,500g) than babies with a normal birthweight (2,500g and over).