Welfare of families of children found unexpectedly dead ("cot deaths")

Abstract

Families in whom cot deaths occur are a particularly neglected group. They are subjected to unnecessary psychological trauma as part of the process of the exclusion of unnatural death. Paediatricians should make the welfare of the family units part of their own concern and take steps to help both parents and siblings. It is suggested that possibly the coroner or the general practitioner could make an appointment for the family to see a paediatrician interested in cot deaths. This would do much to alleviate suffering associated with them.