The majority of babies/children who die of cot death are under 1 year old, and most likely to be under 6 months old. However, a small number of older children will die suddenly and unexpectedly too – about 3 children each year, in Scotland.
When a child over 12 months dies suddenly and unexpectedly the death may be referred to as Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), or SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood).
For many parents, getting their child safely through their first year heralds a sign that “all is well” and they often heave a sigh of relief that cot death is one less thing to worry about. As with all sudden and unexpected infant deaths, the shock is immense when it happens.
This is exactly what happened to us, James was 16 months old, the shock was indescribable, this should not happen to us. But it did, we were one of the three families in a year in Scotland that has to deal with this.
With being so rare it was difficult to find specific support. So this is one of the reasons The baby James Legacy was set up. Not only to raise funds but to raise awareness and to let other families who are going through what we have know they are not alone.
Nothing will ever make losing a child easier, but knowing there is support out there does help. Just somebody to talk to. So we are here, going through it with you all.
Angel Wings - Baby James Legacy 