The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a Safety Alert for specific baby sleeping bags. The alert highlights risks of overheating and suffocation associated with these products.
The affected sleeping bags are those without armholes or those that include a hood. These products are intended for unsupervised baby sleep in a crib or cot. Without armholes, a baby could slip inside the bag, potentially leading to overheating and suffocation. Sleeping bags with hoods may also cover a baby's nose and mouth, posing similar dangers.
This alert follows nearly 50 recalls or product safety reports in the UK concerning dangerous sleeping bag products since 2023. OPSS is advising parents and carers to avoid purchasing and to stop using any sleeping bags that lack armholes or include a hood for unsupervised baby sleep. Those who own such products may be entitled to redress by contacting the supplier.
Separately, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has issued a warning to parents and carers regarding online advertisements for baby products. The ASA identified ads promoting potentially dangerous products and practices that could put babies at risk, following a large-scale monitoring exercise.