Cot Death Charity Raises Doubts Over Baby Boxes

A cot death charity has raised doubts over the benefits of Finnish-style baby boxes, which infants can sleep in.

Issuing new advice to parents, The Lullaby Trust said there was no evidence baby boxes reduced the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The cardboard box, filled with baby products and a mattress, can itself be used as a bed and has been given to new parents by some NHS trusts.

The charity said its leaflets would no longer be put in the boxes.

"We will no longer allow our branded leaflets to be enclosed … as this suggests we endorse the product," said the charity, which provides expert advice on safer baby sleep for the NHS.

The box tradition originates from Finland, where for 75 years, every pregnant woman has been given a box filled with things like nappies, clothes, bedding and a mattress.