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Nappy Sack Dangers

Nappy sacks are thin, plastic sacks used to dispose of soiled nappies but many parents tend to store these items close to the cot or under the mattress for convenience when changing a baby at night. This can be dangerous if they are left within a baby’s reach while left unattended to sleep or play.

Babies are at particular risk because despite naturally grasping items and putting them in their mouths, they find it difficult to let go or remove them when in trouble. Once in their mouths, the nappy sack can lead to obstruction of the nose and mouth and prevent babies from inhaling fresh air. The flimsiness of nappy sacks also makes them small enough to fit into little mouths, plus they do not rustle in the same way as plastic bags and can be easily breathed in by babies without parents realising.

“Sadly, RoSPA is made aware of one to two nappy sack-related deaths a year and we know of at least 16 deaths. While most people are well aware plastic bags can be dangerous to children they don’t associate these risks with nappy sacks so are less likely to take the same safety precautions”.

The typical scenario associated with the deaths involves sacks which are stored within the baby’s reach, close to the baby’s cot – including under the mattress usually for convenience. In some of the cases, the nappy sacks had been left near to or in the cot for ease of changing the baby’s nappy in the night.

RoSPA advises parents and carers to:

•    Always keep nappy sacks and other plastic bags or wrapping away from babies and young children
•    Never place nappy sacks in or near a baby's cot or pram
•    Be aware nappy sacks are extremely light and flimsy and can be easily blown off a high surface or across a room by a draught or by opening or shutting a door
•    Buy nappy sacks on a roll if possible.


More information, plus leaflets and posters to download on RoSPA’s nappy sack safety campaign are available at the RoSpa Website.

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