Plastic wrapping of cot mattresses: results from a pilot study.

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.