Nursery World - Cot death charity raises concerns over ‘baby boxes’

There is no evidence that Finnish-style baby boxes prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or cot death, says the Lullaby Trust, which has raised concerns about their increasing popularity in the UK.

In some areas the boxes are being distributed to parents by health and social care professionals, as part of an initiative to encourage parents to follow safer sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The Lullaby Trust says it supports programmes that raise awareness about SIDS and safer sleep, but is urging agencies to ensure that baby boxes and mattresses given to parents comply with British and European standards and UK fire regulations.

It says that it will no longer allow its branded leaflets to be enclosed with baby boxes, as this suggests it endorses the product.

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