Scots parents have been warned to steer clear of trendy baby products over fears they increase the risk of cot death.
Baby gadgets which promise to help your baby sleep longer and reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) should not be trusted, according to a leading baby charity.
The Lullaby Trust offers parents safety advice when it comes to buying new furniture for your baby's nursery.
The comprehensive list includes a list of essentials that all babies will need as well as a list of products the charity does not recommend.
According to their dos and don'ts list, all parents will need a Moses basket, cot, car seat, sleeping bag or blanket, a room thermometer, a pram, and a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
The trust says apart from these items, nothing else is essential for ensuring your baby has a safe and restful night's sleep.
In fact the charity has a list of products it recommends parents avoid.
Sleep pods/nests
First on the list is a sleep 'pod' or 'nest' which have become increasingly popular in recent years due ti their versatility and ability to move from room to room with little hassle.
However the Lullaby Trust says: "Pods or nests are a softer type of sleep surface sometimes used instead of or in addition to a mattress, with areas that are raised or cushioned.
"When sleeping, babies shouldn’t lie on or have anything soft around them, particularly their heads, as this can cause them to overheat and increases the risk of SIDS.
"Soft, squishy materials can also cover baby’s mouth and nose if they are pressed against it. It is also important to remember that while there is a British Standard for cot mattresses, there is no standard for pods or nests as a sleeping place for babies."
Cot Bumpers
These decorative features have been popular for over a decade and act to not only make your baby's cot look nicer, but can also help to cushion them from banging themselves on the sides of their cot.
However the Trust says they can also pose a 'serious' danger. The say: "Cot bumpers pose a serious risk to babies.
"Accidents have been caused by babies becoming entangled in the ties or material. Your baby’s cot should be kept clear to be as safe as possible.
"If the cot meets the British Standard in terms of shape, build, and spacing of the bars, this helps to lower the risk of a baby injuring themselves on the cot sides."
Pillows and duvets
While getting your child their first duvet set can be exciting, the charity recommends that babies under the age of 12 months do not use pillows and balnkets.
It says: "Duvets, cot quilts and pillows have been shown to increase the risk of SIDS and are not recommended for babies under 12 months."
Hammocks
Believe it or now, baby hammocks are actually a thing! People want their children to have the latest trends and hammocks are up there amongst those.
However, the Lullaby Trust strongly advises parents against them, saying: "Hammocks are not a firm flat surface for babies to sleep on, which we know is safest for babies because it reduces the risk of SIDS."
Sleep positioners
These are small 'safety' straps which are designed to 'hold' your baby in pace while they sleep.
However Lullaby Trust say these are anything but safe, adding: "Babies should not be slept on any surface that straps or holds them in one position, whether that is on their back, front or side.
"Some products are sold that claim to help babies relax by holding them in position on their tummy. However, it is very risky if babies fall asleep on their tummies, so we strongly recommend you do not use any item that does this."
