Cot death warning over popular sleeping products
- Cot death (sudden infant death syndrome) kills 200 babies in the UK every year
- The exact cause is unknown but soft surfaces have been linked to cot deaths
- The Lullaby Trust yesterday said they make it harder for babies to lose body heat
Kate Pickles Health Reporter For The Daily Mail
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Popular baby sleeping products sold on the high street could increase the risk of cot death, experts have warned.
Cushioned sleeping pods, nests, baby hammocks and cot bumpers can pose a suffocation risk for babies under 12 months, The Lullaby Trust said.
Soft surfaces have been linked to cot deaths as they make it harder for babies to lose body heat and maintain a safe temperature.
As such, the equipment, which is widely available in stores such as Mothercare and John Lewis, does not comply with the charity’s safer sleep guidelines.
Cot death, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), kills around 200 babies in the UK every year.
Cushioned sleeping pods, nests, baby hammocks and cot bumpers can pose a suffocation risk for babies under 12 months, The Lullaby Trust said
The exact cause is not known but studies have shown that sleeping a baby on anything but a firm, flat surface, can increase the risk.
The charity, which works to reduce SIDS, says a lot of the equipment- used by as many as one in three new parents – are made by trusted brands.
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But it says that some manufacturers make inaccurate claims about the safety of their products such as it being ‘breathable’ or claiming it’s a ‘soft and safe place for baby to sleep’.
A recent survey of more than 2,800 people found nine out of 10 parents said it was important for baby equipment to comply with safer sleep advice.
WHAT ARE THE SLEEPING AIDS THAT CAN POSE A RISK TO BABIES?
Popular baby sleeping products sold on the high street could increase the risk of cot death, The Lullaby Trust warned.
Cushioned sleeping pods
Nests
Baby hammocks
Cot bumpers
Many of the sleeping aids have raised, soft sides, which can be potentially lethal if a baby becomes stuck against them.
Soft, heavy bedding can lead to overheating or potentially obstruct a baby’s airway if they roll over or their face becomes covered.
But the same poll, commissioned by the charity, found more than four in ten (41 per cent) planned on purchasing a sleep nest or pod.
These both go against the advice that babies should sleep on a firm, entirely flat waterproof surface.
Many of the sleeping aids have raised, soft sides, which can be potentially lethal if a baby becomes stuck against them. Soft, heavy bedding can lead to overheating or potentially obstruct a baby’s airway if they roll over or their face becomes covered.
Experts warn it can be difficult for parents to know which products are safe for their baby as there are no safety standards that specifically relate to SIDS.
But the charity suggests that all parents really need is a cot with a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and a portable sleep space such as Moses basket or travel cot, with a baby sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket.
Francine Bates, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust said: ‘As a SIDS charity, we have watched with concern as products that go against safer sleep advice gain popularity.
‘It is hard for parents when they are trying to choose from the overwhelming number of baby products on offer and many people make the reasonable assumption that if an item is sold on the high street or made by a recognised brand it is safe for their baby.
‘When choosing sleep items for a baby there are actually just a few key essentials parents need and it isn’t necessary to spend a fortune on lots of products or choose more expensive brands.
‘We have produced a product guide and accompanying resources to help parents feel confident in knowing what to look for when choosing sleep items for their baby’
Professor Viv Bennett, director of nursing at Public Health England said: ‘Ensuring parents have the correct information to keep their baby safe is crucial, this resource will help parents when choosing equipment or products for their baby.
‘We would always encourage parents to discuss any concerns or queries with their midwife or health visitor who can offer advice and sign post to information about safer sleeping’.
A spokesman for John Lewis said: ‘We take the health and safety considerations of everything we sell very seriously which is why we only stock sleep products that comply with all relevant UK and EU legislation.’
No one at Mothercare was available to comment.
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