Experts have raised concerns that some so-called “must-have” sleep aids and feeding products for babies may actually put infants at risk. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a warning to parents, highlighting “hidden dangers” associated with certain baby care items that could contribute to incidents such as suffocation, choking, and overheating.
RoSPA emphasised the importance of being cautious when selecting products for babies, urging parents to avoid items that may be unsafe or unnecessary. Some of the products identified as potentially risky include:
- Self-feeding cushions, also marketed as hands-free baby bottle holders, which hold a baby’s bottle during feeding. RoSPA noted these could increase choking risks by making it harder for infants to control milk flow.
READ MORE: DWP Issues Update on Free School Meals as New Term Begins
READ MORE: Decision Imminent on Major Monkton Heathfield Development After Four-Year Delay
-
Baby sleep positioners, sometimes sold under names like baby pillows, cuddle cushions, or anti-roll pillows. Designed to keep babies in specific sleeping positions, these items may restrict movement and introduce additional objects into the sleep space, raising the risk of suffocation.
-
In-cot sleep aids, including sleep aid pillows, which have been linked to dangers such as suffocation and overheating.
The society stressed that the safest sleeping arrangements for babies tend to be the simplest. Parents are encouraged to look for products bearing CE or UKCA safety markings and to be wary of products lacking clear safety assessments. RoSPA also pointed out that some items have been subject to recalls due to the risks they pose.
Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s senior policy manager, said: “Every parent wants what’s best for their baby and it’s completely understandable to look for products that promise to make feeding or sleeping easier.
“But some products can introduce risks that parents may not be aware of, particularly when they are marketed as must-have items.
“The safest sleep spaces are often the simplest. Babies should sleep on their backs in a clear cot, Moses basket or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and without extra items.
“Before buying any product, take a moment to ask if you really need it and whether it could affect your baby’s safety. Keeping things simple can help protect your baby and save money at a time when family budgets are already under pressure.”