The data that has been published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that unexplained infant deaths including cot deaths have reduced by a significant number. It would not be wrong to say that the deaths have reduced to its maximum when compared to older patterns.

It got revealed through the data that 254 infant deaths have taken place in 2010 in comparison to 440 that took place in 1996. This means there has been a decline by 0.35% per 1,000 births that took place in 2010.

Another thing that has been noticed is that fewer deaths have been taking place at London than occurring in the north-west side of England. Francine Bates, who is the head of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID), was of the view that the decline seems to a respite for ongoing tensions that encircled the matter.

"We know that smoking is a major risk factor for sudden, unexplained infant death and the smoking rate in London is the lowest in the UK", he further affirmed. Bates said that improvements have been made in London, but they need to make significant changes in the north west of England and in other parts as well.