Universal baby box schemes backed by RCM

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has released a new Position Statement supporting the universal provision of baby boxes in the UK, which could reduce the risks associated with unsafe co-sleeping.

Some NHS trusts in England have introduced pilot schemes or full baby box schemes over the last two years, while baby boxes are given to all new babies in Scotland. Previous research has identified a number of key risk factors for cot death or sudden unexpected death in infancy, including sharing a sleeping surface with a parent who smokes or has been drinking alcohol, sleeping on soft or unsafe surfaces and being put down to sleep in a situation where they may become entangled in bedding or their heads may become covered by bedding.

Baby boxes could be especially beneficial in providing safe sleep spaces for the baby in more deprived or isolated communities, which tend to be environments where there is a higher risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.

The RCM says that decisions about the contents of baby boxes should be made in discussion with suitably qualified health professionals, but stresses that baby boxes must be safe, of high quality and the box and mattress should meet at least the minimum UK safety standards.

Gill Walton, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said: “A baby box is a positive gift which signals that every baby is important and welcomed. Providing them will help many families whatever their background, and provide a more equal start to life for the baby.

“The Scottish baby box contains a number of very useful baby items that can support the health and wellbeing of new babies including an electronic thermometer, a baby carrying sling, a bath thermometer and a range of clothing. Most importantly by enabling parents to give their babies a safe sleeping space, baby boxes may reduce unsafe co-sleeping or babies sleeping in an inappropriate place such as a sofa.”