Q&A Forum

27/1/21

Cosleeper

Hi iv read the advice about choosing a bassinet but are there any recommendations for things like “The First Years Close & Secure Sleeper“ or “ The First Years Close & Secure Sleeper” that go on top of the mattress?

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Posted a response on 28/1/21

Red Nose Education

There are many different types of products on the market that are referred to as portable sleep spaces or pods or nests.
Many of these portable sleep spaces on the market, do not facilitate a Safe Sleep environment, mainly due to 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

Some of these products are designed specifically for co-sleeping, however the baby is still at risk of adult bedding being pulled up over the baby’s head & face.
Download Sharing a Sleep Surface With a Baby

Red Nose recommends the safest place for baby to sleep is in a cot that meets mandatory standards on a mattress that is with a firm, well-fitting & flat (or a bassinet that meets “buying tips” recommended by Product Safety Australia)
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-is-a-safe-sleeping-environment
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/products/babies-kids/kids-furniture/bassinettes

Red Nose also recommends avoiding using anything soft or padded in baby’s sleep environment.
The product you mention, & most of the others 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, provide 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/Product-Guide-a-guide-to-buying-safer-sleep-essentials.pdf

Red Nose also has the following information about “sleep products” in general.
Not all products designed for babies are safe. They often attract parents with the promise of making sleeping, teething or carrying easier. But without safety regulations or proper use guidelines, they could cause a serious incident.
https://rednose.org.au/article/baby-products-you-dont-need

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