Baby sleep products campaign with the Office for Product and Safety Standards
There are so many products out there that it can be hard to know which are safest for babies to sleep in, and what to look for on product labels. We’re here to provide clear guidance so parents and carers can confidently make sense of what to look for in baby sleep products, and feel empowered to make decisions for their baby.
Make sure any product used follows safer sleep guidance
If the item is something for your baby to sleep on such as a mattress, make sure it is:
Always read the instructions of any product you buy, even if it is second-hand. When a manufacturer creates a sleeping product they mean for it to be used in a certain way.
Baby sleep bags
Baby sleep bags are a good option as they prevent your baby from wriggling down under any covers, and getting their head covered.
Most sleep bag manufacturers recommend products based on the baby’s weight rather than their age. It is important that the baby sleeping bag fits well around the neck shoulders so that your baby’s head does not slip down into the bag.
Certain products can cover your baby’s face, block their airways, or cause them to become folded or narrowed. Always consider if your baby’s airway is clear before you use any product.
The safest cot is a clear cot. Remove all unnecessary items and loose bedding from your baby’s cot, including toys, pillows and cot bumpers.
Second-hand products
Using second-hand products can be great for the environment and the bank account. But there are a few things to check if you’re gifted items from loved ones or going second-hand shopping. This includes making sure the product is in good condition, with no broken or missing parts and no rips or tears. Any second-hand items should also come from a smoke and pet free home. These can affect how clean the product is.
We generally advise buying a new mattress and a new car seat for each baby if you can.
British Safety Standards
We strongly advise that any product you choose complies with British Safety Standards. This tells us if the product has passed certain tests, and will be stated on the products, packaging, or website.
Products to avoid
There are some products that we wouldn’t advise buying for your baby. These include:
- Pods/nests
- Pillows/duvets/thick heavy bedding
- Cot bumpers
- Hammocks
- Beanbags
- Sleep positioners
Recalls and reporting unsafe products
It’s important to check if a baby product you want to buy has been recalled or deemed unsafe to use. Search ‘product recalls’ on GOV.UK to see if any problems have been identified with a potential purchase.
You can also report an unsafe product that is for sale to help other parents and carers.
