Support after cot death: the CONI programme in action.

After a previous cot death, most parents approach the next baby with anxiety as well as joy. The Care of Next Infant (CONI). Programme offers structured support to the parents antenatally and through the first months of the baby's life Key features are weekly visits from the family health visitor, and providing the family with an apnoea monitor or weighing scales and a daily diary to record symptoms. Parents are taught resuscitation skills and the significance of temperature, smoking and positioning the baby on the back or side. Additional support is available from the general practitioner and paediatrician. Evaluation shows that most parents and health professionals consider this a useful scheme and that parents feel reassured by the extra support and advice.