Red Nose has issued a warning against several retailers selling weighted baby sleeping bags to well-meaning parents this winter, following infant deaths caused by weighted blankets overseas.  

Friday 12 August is Red Nose Day and every dollar raised helps save little lives by funding research and the development of practical advice; both of which are severely lacking regarding the safety aspects of weighted blankets for babies, according to Red Nose Australia CEO, Keren Ludski.

“What scares us the most is weighted sleeping sacks, like weighted blankets, have the capacity to compress a baby’s chest, leading to a lack of oxygen,” said Ms Ludski.

“They can also cause overheating – a well-known risk factor for sudden infant death (SIDS).”

Red Nose researchers say that in Australia, weighted blankets and sleeping bags for babies are being marketed directly to parents of infants online, particularly through social media.

Furthermore, Ms Ludski noted a recent alert that a large discount supermarket chain is selling weighted blankets for children, with safety warnings that are not clearly marked.

These products are often labelled as ‘sensory’ or ‘calming’ blankets and retailers may claim these may help babies settle to sleep. There is no research to support these claims, she said.

“For adults, there’s lots of marketing about how soothing weighted blankets are, like a big hug.

“However, a baby’s airway is much smaller and more fragile than an adult airway. And as adults, if we’re overheating, we can kick that blanket off. A baby can’t do that.”

Ms Ludski warned Australian parents that babies overseas have died from the use of weighted blankets.

“These weighted blankets came from nowhere, and now we’re receiving questions on our advice line, not just from parents, but from healthcare and childcare workers about weighted baby blankets and sleeping bags.

“We know that parents who are sleep-deprived will want to try anything. The marketing of these weighted sleeping sacks preys on that. Weighted baby blankets are not the answer.”

Red Nose also cautions families with children, who have weighted blankets for adult use, to be mindful of where they are kept, and ensure they cannot inadvertently fall on a child or infant.

“Sadly, deep dive research into safety doesn’t usually happen until there are deaths within the country, so what we’re trying to do is prevent them from happening in the first place,” Ms Ludski said.

Red Nose’s guide to winter sleep safety

• Dress the baby for sleep using layers as you would yourself: to be comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold.
• Add/remove tucked in lightweight blankets to ensure the baby’s tummy or back feels comfortably warm to the touch (don’t worry about cold feet or hands – babies get them too).
• Always ensure the baby’s head is uncovered – no hats, bonnets, beanies, or hooded clothing.
• Never use weighted blankets, weighted sleeping bags, electric blankets, wheat bags or hot water bottles for babies.

Parents can also call the Red Nose Safe Sleep Line with any questions on 1300 998 698.

Funds raised by Red Nose Day go towards the sleep line and 24/7 counselling and support services for grief-stricken families who lose a baby.

To help Red Nose reach their 2022 goal of raising $800,000, visit rednoseday.org.au

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