Celebrities who post photos of their sleeping babies nestled in pods or surrounded by blankets are fuelling unsafe practices, a charity has warned.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) charity The Lullaby Trust says these “photogenic” images shared on platforms like Instagram suggest sleep aids – pods, nests, blankets, and accessories – are safe for babies.
The adorable sight of a baby asleep on its father’s chest for a sofa nap, for instance, is about as Instagram-friendly as it gets – but is highly inadvisable.
SIDS, also known as cot death, kills around five babies in the UK every week, often due to factors like overheating or obstruction of the baby’s airways.
[Read More: Parents urged to put babies to sleep on their backs]
Jenny Ward, acting chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, wants celebrities and influencers to keep in mind that their photos might be unintentionally promoting unsafe practices or products.
“Parents are already faced with an overwhelming number of baby products, and working out what to buy for a new baby can be difficult and confusing,” she says. “Many people make the reasonable assumption that if an item is used by a celebrity and sold on the high street, it is okay for their baby. However, we know that this is not always the case.”
[Read More: 20 ways to get your baby to sleep]
What do parents need to know about safe sleeping?
While the ultimate cause of SIDS remains unknown, there are evidence-based practices that reduce your baby’s risk. In 2017 UK retailers took “sleep positioners” off sale after a warning that they were causing babies to roll, leading to suffocation.
A baby should be laid on their back, without cushions, raised areas or straps, and on a firm, flat mattress. Loose blankets, cot bumpers and bulky bedding should all be avoided, and the baby’s head and face should be left uncovered.
Babies sleeping on their sides, in aesthetically-pleasing nests, or wearing hats and surrounded by toys might look cute – but all of these things increase risk.
The Lullaby Trust also recommends a baby sleeps in the same room as its parents for the first six months, in a separate cot or Moses basket.
Co-sleeping should be avoided if drinking, smoking or using any kind of medication that might induce drowsiness or impair your awareness.
For more information on what to look out for and what to avoid, click here.