MUMS have been warned about a a new winter maternity coat that could put babies at risk due to overheating.
Doctors claimed the coat could be “unsafe” after a video posted to Primark‘s Instagram showed showed a baby being zipped into garment to the point its head was covered.
Primark has since removed the video from its social media.
A spokesperson told Sun Health: “We’ve removed a video that briefly showed a model using our maternity coat incorrectly while carrying a baby in a sling.
“While the coat meets all UK and EU standards, we know we have a responsibility to our customers to be mindful of the content we share and we’re very sorry for the concern it has caused.”
The £45 padded maternity jacket recently rolled out by the fashion retailer is designed to be used during pregnancy and after birth.
It features a zip away panel that can be added to the front of the coat to accommodate a growing bump and keep babies warm if they’re being carried in a sling.
Safety concerns around the coat were sparked after Primark shared a video on Instagram demonstrating the coat’s functionality.
The clip showed the baby being zipped up into the coat and for a brief moment its head was completely covered.
This raised concerns among viewers, who pointed out potential risks related to safety.
Baby health experts took issue with the fact that the coat appears to be able to zip up all the way over the baby’s head.
Dr Niamh Lynch, a consultant paediatrician and paediatric neurologist, voiced her concerns about the coat’s design in the comment section.
She said: “Anything that covers a baby’s face in a sling poses a risk of rebreathing and overheating.”
The Primark spokesperson noted that the model used the maternity coat “incorrectly” in the video.
“The coat, which is designed to be worn both during pregnancy and beyond, has a removable middle panel with a central zip that pulls down to allow the baby’s head to move freely and there are zips either side of the panel to create additional space,” they said.
It’s understood the coat design is sold across many other retailers.
Dr Lynch posted a video to her own Instagram page to further address her concerns about the jacket.
She claimed there were two possible issues with the product.
“Number one is the obscuring of the baby’s face and number two is the possibility of overheating.
“Yes, this thing looks really, really cosy, but cosy isn’t always good when it comes to babies.”
T.I.C.K.S guidelines for using baby slings and carriers
When you're carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, keep T.I.C.K.S. in mind:
Tight
The sling should be tight enough to hug your baby close.
Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.
In View At All Times
You should always be able to see your baby’s face by glancing down.
The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close around them so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards not be turned in towards your body
Close Enough To Kiss
Your baby’s head should be close to your chin.
By tipping your head forward you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead
Keep Chin Off The Chest
Ensure there is at least a finger width of space under your baby’s chin.
A baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing.
Supported Back
Your baby’s back should be supported in its natural position with their tummy and chest against you.
If a sling is too loose they can slump which can partially close their airway.
This can be tested by placing a hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently – they should not uncurl or move closer to you.
Source: TICKS
Babies aren’t good at regulating their own body temperature so they’re vulnerable to overheating.
According to the NHS, too much bedding or clothing or a hot room can increase the risk of this happening.
It said overheating can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – when an apparently healthy baby inexplicably dies.
SIDS is very rare, only affecting 200 babies in the UK each year.
This item is dangerous and should not be sold. Never cover your baby’s face when in a sling
Professor Afif EL-Khuffash
Dr Lynch said it was important to keep certain things in mind when carrying your baby in a sling or carrier.
She said your baby needs to be nestled tightly against your body, in view at all times and close enough to kiss.
You also need to make sure that your tot’s back is supported and that they aren’t curled up with their chin against their chest, as that could restrict their breathing.
Dr Lynch’s advice is in line with what’s known as the T.I.C.K.S. Rule for safe baby-wearing.
‘Safety comes first’
Before the video was taken down, a number of people took to the comments to gush about the coat.
One commenter said: “This is such a great idea! I wish this was been available when my son was young!”
Another added: “OMG! What a fabulous idea!” with another saying “Absolutely genius – and such a pretty coat!”
But Dr Lynch wasn’t the only one to voice safety concerns about the maternity puffer.
Professor Afif EL-Khuffash, a consultant neonatologist at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, and a clinical professor of paediatrics at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, commented: “This item is dangerous and should not be sold. Never cover your baby’s face when in a sling.”
He went on to add: “The fact that it can be zipped all the way over the baby’s head does make it unsafe. No question.”
A spokesperson from nursery retailer Winstanleys Pramworld emphasised the importance of safe babywearing practices following the controversy.
They reiterated the need to follow the T.I.C.K.S guidelines, which provide key safety tips for using slings.
They also stressed the importance of avoiding overheating, as babies can easily become too warm when wrapped in thick layers of clothing.
“Overheating is another crucial concern for parents,” the spokesperson said.
“Babies can easily become too warm when bundled in thick layers.
“While their hands or face might feel cold, this doesn’t necessarily reflect their core temperature.
“To check if your baby is comfortable, feel their tummy or back, which should be warm but not hot or cold.”
The Pramworld spokesperson added: “Primark’s new maternity coat offers an affordable and innovative solution, but safety should always come first when it comes to babywearing, particularly in preventing overheating and ensuring proper positioning.”
Making sure your baby doesn't get too hot or cold
- When you check your baby, make sure they’re not too hot. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot to the touch, take off some of the bedding. Do not worry if their hands or feet feel cool – this is normal.
- It’s easier to adjust for the temperature by using layers of lightweight blankets. Remember, a folded blanket counts as 2 blankets. Lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags are a good choice, too.
- Babies do not need hot rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that’s comfortable – about 16 to 20C is ideal.
- If it’s very warm, your baby may not need any bedclothes other than a sheet.
- Even in winter, most babies who are unwell or feverish do not need extra clothes.
- Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.
- Babies lose excess heat through their heads, so make sure their heads cannot be covered by bedclothes, slings or carriers while they’re asleep.
- Remove hats and extra clothing as soon as you come indoors or enter a warm car, bus or train, even if it means waking your baby.
- Do not cover your baby’s pram or buggy with blankets or any other cover that stops air circulating. This can lead to overheating and makes it difficult for you to monitor your baby’s temperature.
Source: NHS
