More babies are dying in their sleep, with the number of sudden infant deaths increasing by over half in just two years. As of September 22, 2025, there were 37 cases in 2024, up from an average of 25 annually between 2006 and 2021.
- Wieg deaths have significantly increased recently.
- Higher risk of incidents in childcare settings.
- New guidelines for safer sleeping practices.
- Babies should be checked every 15 minutes.
- Social media spreads misinformation about safe sleeping.
- Use a co-sleeper for safe proximity.
Mieke Cotterink from VeiligheidNL noted, “The increase is very concerning. But we don’t know the exact cause.” She highlighted that the risk of sudden infant death is 2.5 times higher in childcare than at home, possibly due to different sleep environments.
In response to rising incidents, new guidelines have been established for childcare facilities. Gjalt Jellesma, chairman of BOinK, stated, “We have a protocol created with scientists, parents, and the childcare sector.” The guidelines mandate that babies be checked every 15 minutes while sleeping, with new arrivals checked every 10 minutes, a reduction from every 30 minutes.
Parents are urged to ensure safe sleeping practices, including placing babies on their backs in a sleep sack. Cotterink advised against co-sleeping, suggesting the use of a co-sleeper bed to keep infants close while maintaining safety.
