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Cot death charity raises concerns over baby boxes Cot death charity raises concerns over baby boxes
(35 minutes later)
A cot death charity has raised concerns over the use of Finnish-style baby boxes, which infants can sleep in.A cot death charity has raised concerns over the use of Finnish-style baby boxes, which infants can sleep in.
Issuing new advice to parents, The Lullaby Trust said there was no evidence baby boxes reduced the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).Issuing new advice to parents, The Lullaby Trust said there was no evidence baby boxes reduced the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The cardboard box, filled with baby products and a mattress, can itself be used as a bed, and has been given to new parents by some NHS trusts.The cardboard box, filled with baby products and a mattress, can itself be used as a bed, and has been given to new parents by some NHS trusts.
The charity said its leaflets would no longer be put in the boxes.The charity said its leaflets would no longer be put in the boxes.
"We will no longer allow our branded leaflets to be enclosed...as this suggests we endorse the product," said the charity, which provides expert advice on safer baby sleep for the NHS."We will no longer allow our branded leaflets to be enclosed...as this suggests we endorse the product," said the charity, which provides expert advice on safer baby sleep for the NHS.
The box tradition originates from Finland, where for 75 years, every pregnant woman has been given a box filled with things like nappies, clothes, bedding and a mattress.The box tradition originates from Finland, where for 75 years, every pregnant woman has been given a box filled with things like nappies, clothes, bedding and a mattress.
Finland has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world - two deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with a global rate of 32 in 1,000, according to the UN.Finland has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world - two deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with a global rate of 32 in 1,000, according to the UN.
Francine Bates, chief executive of the Lullaby Trust, told BBC Radio 5 live Finland's "fantastic record" was due to a variety of reasons, including lower teenage pregnancy rates.Francine Bates, chief executive of the Lullaby Trust, told BBC Radio 5 live Finland's "fantastic record" was due to a variety of reasons, including lower teenage pregnancy rates.
She said: "The fact that they give a box out to every family may be a factor but we can't say that definitively."She said: "The fact that they give a box out to every family may be a factor but we can't say that definitively."
A box scheme is due to be rolled out for all newborn babies across Scotland this month. Some areas in England also give out boxes.A box scheme is due to be rolled out for all newborn babies across Scotland this month. Some areas in England also give out boxes.
Scottish childcare minister Mark McDonald said the box would "provide a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents, to promote bonding and early attachment". A spokesperson for the Scottish government said it was "proud" to introduce the box in Scotland, where it will "help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents".
They said the Scottish baby box meets the "highest safety standards", adding: "It was awarded British Safety Standard accreditation as a crib for domestic use - the first non-commercial baby box in the world to do so."
Ms Bates said the box may be a good alternative if there is no cot or Moses basket available, adding that it was "certainly a better alternative than sleeping a baby on a beanbag or a sofa".Ms Bates said the box may be a good alternative if there is no cot or Moses basket available, adding that it was "certainly a better alternative than sleeping a baby on a beanbag or a sofa".
"But we're very clear that a cot or a Moses basket is the safest place for a baby to sleep," she said, adding that she was concerned the boxes were being marketed as products to reduce sudden infant death syndrome."But we're very clear that a cot or a Moses basket is the safest place for a baby to sleep," she said, adding that she was concerned the boxes were being marketed as products to reduce sudden infant death syndrome.
"The fact is there is no safety standard anywhere in the world that applies directly to a cardboard box," she said."The fact is there is no safety standard anywhere in the world that applies directly to a cardboard box," she said.
"We are very much on top of all the research going on around the world and there is no research that we're aware of that directly links using a cardboard box to lower death rates," she said."We are very much on top of all the research going on around the world and there is no research that we're aware of that directly links using a cardboard box to lower death rates," she said.
SIDS, also known as cot death, is the sudden unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.SIDS, also known as cot death, is the sudden unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
There were 230 sudden infant deaths in the UK in 2014, following a downward trend in the last decade. In 2001, there were 330.There were 230 sudden infant deaths in the UK in 2014, following a downward trend in the last decade. In 2001, there were 330.
Ms Bates went on to advise that should a parent decide to use a box for sleeping, it should be used for "daytime naps only", with a baby sleeping in a cot or a Moses basket next to their bed during the night. The do's and don'ts of baby boxes:
It also reminds parents not to lift or carry the box around the home if a baby is in it. If you do decide to use a baby box, the Lullaby Trust recommends the following:
"It is also not possible for baby boxes to meet all current safety standards, as nursery furniture regulations only apply to traditional cots, cribs and bassinets, not boxes made from cardboard," Ms Bates said.
"If parents choose to use the box to sleep their baby, we urge them to read and follow our advice, approved by our scientific and paediatric advisers."
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