Jaz
As a health professional, I have a lot of new mums ask about safe sleeping - specifically the breathe eze cosy cribs, to put baby straight into cot. I wanted some advice on this, as some research is stating that due to the materials it is made of, they they are okay to use. Thankyou!
Red Nose Education
Red Nose recommends that baby is placed for sleep in a cot that meets Mandatory Australian Standards, placed on their back on a firm clean well-fitting & flat mattress.
Baby can go straight into a cot from birth, without any other product “to help them settle”
A bassinet may also be suitable provided it meets the general guidelines recommended by Product Safety Australia (ACCC) & Red Nose
https://rednose.org.au/article/bassinets
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/kids-furniture/bassinettes
There are a lot of portable sleep spaces on the market, which do not meet the Safe Sleep guidelines, including a number of safety concerns about pods & nests & on how they are used.
These include soft, padded sides & soft base & minimal height on sides.
Product Safety recommends sides of a bassinet should be 300mm high
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/kids-furniture/bassinettes
Never place additional items in or around the cot, such mobiles, pillows (of any kind), bumpers, lambs wool, nests, positioners or thick loose bedding, even if the advertising looks enticing.
https://rednose.org.au/article/setting-up-a-safe-nursery-what-products-do-you-really-need
https://rednose.org.au/article/baby-products-you-dont-need
Many of the pods/nests/co-sleepers have soft padded (cushioned) sides.(similar to a cot bumper)
Soft bedding is dangerous in a cot and should not be used. Soft bedding includes pillows, quilts, doonas, soft toys and bumpers. Soft bedding may cover the baby’s face and obstruct breathing and/or cause overheating.
https://rednose.com.au/article/at-what-age-can-i-introduce-cot-bumpers-and-pillows
Lullaby Trust, our colleagues in UK, provides the following information about pods & nests:
Pods/nests Pods or nests are a softer type of sleep surface sometimes used instead of or in addition to a mattress, with areas that are raised or cushioned.
When sleeping, babies shouldn’t lie on or have anything soft around them, particularly their heads, as this can cause them to overheat and increases the risk of SIDS.
Soft, squishy materials can also cover baby’s mouth and nose if they are pressed against it.
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Lullaby-Trust-Product-Guide-Web.pdf