Plastic wrapping of cot mattresses: results from a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of plastic wrapping of cot mattresses and their thickness.


METHODS
Mothers of infants less than six months attending Plunket clinics in Central Auckland were interviewed. The thickness of the plastic was measured.


RESULTS
99 of 110 (90%) mothers invited to participate were visited at home. The sample was socioeconomically advantaged. Most infants were breastfed and few slept prone. The prevalence of plastic wrapped cot mattresses was 23.2%, of which sixteen (out of 23) used BabeSafe and seven used other types. The mean thickness of the BabeSafe was 0.15 mm (range 0.12-0.19 mm) and the other types were 0.10 mm (range 0.04-0.13 mm). One sample of plastic was 0.04 mm.


CONCLUSIONS
Thin plastic wrapping is being used and is potentially dangerous.
Mitchell
E A
EA
Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland. e.mitchell@auckland.ac.nz
Subramaniam
K
K
Blackburn
J
J
Shooter
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010969:Plastics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D010969:Plastics