Abstract:
Aim. 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.
Conclusion. Thin plastic wrapping is being used and is
potentially dangerous.