Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew says the number of sudden infant deaths is still too high, despite a decline since 2008.
Last year, 36 babies died of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), lower than the 55 deaths in 2008.
Mrs Goodhew said the decline is encouraging but the rate is still too high. She urged caregivers to make sure they follow safe sleep practices such as putting babies to sleep on their back and keeping bedding away from their face.
The minister said the drop in SUDI deaths has contributed to an overall decline in post-neonatal deaths, from 138 in 2008 to 98 this year
More data on child and youth mortality will be published soon in a Health Quality and Safety Commission report.
