MODEL RELEASED. Cot death prevention. A mother puts her 4 month-old baby down to sleep. The child is set down on it's back and at the bottom of the cot to prevent cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Although the cause of SIDS is unknown, most theories suggest abnormal breathing rhythms through respiratory infection, together with undetected inborn errors of metabolism play an important role. Placing a baby to sleep on it's back at the bottom of the cot should ensure uninhibited breathing for the child.