Q&A Forum

14/10/19

Annie

I have read the Red Nose advice on principles for safe wrapping, which contains the following statement: “The material of the wrap or swaddle should not cover the face or head, particular if baby sleeps with arms in different positions. If the item is too big for the baby, some zipped swaddle suits that enclose baby’s hands, have been shown to allow material to cover baby’s face and nose when baby raises their hands above their head during sleep. All sleeping attire designed to cover the baby’s shoulders should have separate neck and arm holes or should ensure that they do not allow the face covering if the baby was to move their arms in different positions.” I am unclear on whether this advice is recommending that parents should make sure any infant sleeping bag has separate arm and neck holes, or whether the guidance is just recommending that parents should ensure that any sleeping bag without separate arm and neck holes fits properly around the neck and arms. As you will know, there are very popular products (like Love to Dream) with combined arm and neck holes so I want to clarify what the guidance is on these Thank you

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Posted a response on 16/10/19

Red Nose Education

Red Nose recommends that baby’s head & face remain uncovered during sleep.
This is why it is important that anything that baby wears is the correct size (& not loose) so as not to cover head & face.

The information is for 2 different products.

A sleeping bag is one that has separate head/neck & arm holes & should be the right size for the baby.
A safe baby sleeping bag is constructed in such a way that the baby cannot slip inside the bag and become completely covered.
The sleeping bag should be the correct size for the baby with a fitted neck, armholes (or sleeves) and no hood.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-is-a-safe-sleeping-bag

A swaddle suit, such as the one you have mentioned is not a sleeping bag, hence the information provided above.
Ensure the material in the swaddle suit (or a traditional wrap) does not cover baby’s head & face.
All sleeping attire designed to cover the baby’s shoulders should have separate neck and arm holes or should ensure that they do not allow the face covering if the baby was to move their arms in different positions.


It is also important to remember the following:
Any product that is used as clothing on the baby or in the baby’s sleep environment should not restrict the movement of a baby who is able to roll.
Wrapping should be discontinued as soon as the baby shows the first signs of being able to roll.
Positioning aids that restrict movement of the baby are not recommended and have been associated with infant deaths.
https://rednose.org.au/article/wrapping-babies

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