The Lullaby Trust, a leading UK charity, has issued a significant caution to parents about the dangers associated with allowing babies to sleep in bouncers, swings, beanbags, and similar items, highlighting an increased risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The warning comes in the wake of a survey that showed a notable 8% of parents leave their infants in such inclined sleep positions overnight, which can cause the baby’s head to slump forward and block the airway. The Trust underscores the importance of placing infants on their backs on a firm, flat surface, like a cot, Moses basket, or bassinet, and avoiding soft toys and loose bedding, to minimize the risk of SIDS. This condition is particularly prevalent in the first six months of an infant’s life.

Jenny Ward, Chief Executive of The Lullaby Trust, urges parents to ensure that babies have a safe sleep environment, emphasizing that while items like swings and bouncers can be advantageous when babies are awake and under supervision, they should not be used for sleeping due to the risk of obstructing the baby’s airway. With an average of three babies per week in the UK succumbing to SIDS, mostly within their first six months, the Trust is campaigning to raise awareness and educate parents on adhering to safe sleep practices.

The cautionary advice issued by The Lullaby Trust comes ahead of Safer Sleep Week, an initiative aimed at promoting awareness about safe sleeping practices for infants. Through raising awareness and providing actionable guidance, The Lullaby Trust aims to reduce the incidence of SIDS in the UK.