Leader comment: Baby boxes must be safe
Given this level of promotion and the fact they are sent to mothers of newborns as a “safe sleep space for babies”, it is alarming to discover that a leading expert has raised concerns about their safety.
Peter Blair, of Bristol University, suggests the sides of the box are too high, potentially obscuring the parents’ view of their infant. He says the boxes should only be used if there is nothing else available, while also stressing that he’s not saying “don’t use the baby box”.
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Hide AdThe Scottish Government has issued a statement saying there was no evidence the boxes were unsafe, but Mary Fee of Scottish Labour surely spoke for everyone when she said Ministers needed to urgently make sure “these boxes are safe”.
Baby boxes are a lovely idea, an initiative done with the best of intentions. But, if there is something wrong with them, changes must be made as a matter of priority.