A charity has highlighted that children are at risk of sudden infant death syndrome if they do not sleep on a flat surface

Parents are being warned that popular sleeping products may be putting their babies at risk.

The Lullaby Trust has said that items such as cushioned sleeping pods, nests, baby hammocks, pillows and duvets can pose a risk to babies under 12 months.

The charity has highlighted that allowing a baby to sleep on anything but a flat, firm surface increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Parents are being advised to ensure that items they buy comply with British Standards, and they avoid using heavy bedding such as pillows and duvets for young children.

Francine Bates, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, said parents often wrongly believe that items they buy meet safety standards.

“As a SIDS charity, we have watched with concern as products that go against safer sleep advice gain popularity,” she said.

“It is hard for parents when they are trying to choose from the overwhelming number of baby products on offer and many people make the reasonable assumption that if an item is sold on the high street or made by a recognised brand it is safe for their baby.”

In a survey by the charity, two out of five (41%) new parents said they had bought or were planning to buy a baby sleep nest or pod, which usually prevents babies from lying flat.

More information on safe baby sleeping products is available on the Lullaby Trust website.