London - Is putting a baby to bed in a box a way to reduce cot deaths?
Baby sleeping ‘boxes’ are being offered to mothers for the first time in a bid to cut Britain’s cot death rate.
The cardboard containers make it harder for newborns to roll on to their tummies, which experts think can contribute to sudden infant death syndrome.
A similar scheme in Finland helped reduce infant mortality from 65 per 1,000 births in 1938 to 2.26 last year – one of the lowest rates in the world.
The boxes, designed for babies to sleep in for their first eight months, are being handed out at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London as part of a pilot scheme.
Along with a firm foam mattress, waterproof mattress cover and sheet, they come as part of a pack along with baby supplies and educational materials for new parents.
It is thought the limited width of the baby box prevents infants rolling. They are made of thick cardboard and can more easily be moved around the home than a Moses basket or cot.
It is also thought to reduce the likelihood of babies being left in adult beds or on sofas.
The baby box scheme proved a social leveller in Finland, as they were given out to all parents regardless of their economic background.
Mothers will also be given access to online videos and guides featuring midwives and doctors, as well as connect with other new parents in their area.
Just under 300 babies die suddenly every year from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), mostly in the first six months of life.
Premature or low birthweight babies are most at risk and experts recommend parents reduce the risks by not smoking around their baby and by always lying them on their back when they sleep.
Daily Mail