A number of “must-have” baby products may be putting infants at risk of choking and suffocating.
Urgent warning to parents over three popular baby products – full list
An urgent warning has been issued over “hidden dangers” of “must-have” baby products. A number of “must-have” baby products may be putting infants at risk of choking and suffocating.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has revealed the “hidden dangers” behind three popular baby items which can cause suffocation, choking and overheating in babies while they sleep.
The items include self-feeding cushions, also known as hands-free baby bottle holders, which can hold a baby’s bottle while they feed. According to the RoSPA, these products can make it harder for babies to control the flow of milk, increasing the risk of choking.
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The second was baby sleep positioners, or baby pillows, cuddle cushions or anti-rolled pillows, which can restrict a baby#s movement can increase the risk of an infant suffocating while they sleep.
In-cot sleep aids, sometimes sold as sleep aid pillows, can also increase the risk of suffocation and overheating.
Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at the RoSPA, said in a statement: “Every parent wants what’s best for their baby and it’s completely understandable to look for products that promise to make feeding or sleeping easier.
“But some products can introduce risks that parents may not be aware of, particularly when they are marketed as must-have items.”
Ms Guy went on and added: “The safest sleep spaces are often the simplest. Babies should sleep on their backs in a clear cot, Moses basket or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and without extra items.
“Before buying any product, take a moment to ask if you really need it and whether it could affect your baby’s safety.
“Keeping things simple can help protect your baby and save money at a time when family budgets are already under pressure.”
RoSPA said the safest places to sleep “are often the simplest”.
