Warning against supermarket trolley hack putting babies' lives 'at risk'
A Sydney mum demonstrated putting a baby capsule onto of a Woolworths trolley while shopping. But according to experts, it comes with a significant risk.
Parents are being advised against trying a viral trolley hack being shared on social media as, while it might make shopping easier, it can put the lives of babies at risk.
The hack, which has been shared on TikTok by a Sydney mum, and reshared by others, involves lifting the baby capsule, which is different from a regular car seat and designed for newborns up to six months, straight from the car before being fitted onto a trolley. The one being used is by the popular brand Maxi-Cosi and is said to "lock straight onto the bar," of the Woolworths trolley, allegedly making it secure.
In the video, the mum claims, "this makes such a huge difference, especially when I am doing a large grocery shop by myself" — and while some others agreed, it's not recommended, CPR Kids Founder Sarah Hunstead told Yahoo News Australia.
"Once the car journey is over it is very important that you remove baby from the car seat or capsule, even if this means waking baby, because it is not safe for baby to spend long periods in car seats, capsules or infant seats," Hunstead said, advising parents to "always follow the Red Nose Safe Sleep guidelines".
"Red Nose states that research shows it is not safe for babies to spend long periods of time in car seats or capsules," she added.
Prolonged car seat use puts babies at risk of 'sudden infant death'
According to the organisation, research has shown that babies left in a sitting position for a long period of time may be placed at increased risk for sudden infant death. Additionally, car or baby seats may cause the baby’s neck to flex forward which may block the baby’s airway not allowing airflow.
What's more, falls from car seats used outside of the car as infant carriers are common and represent a significant source of head injury. It's advised to never leave a baby in carriers on shopping carts, counters, or other high locations to help prevent injury or death.
Dorel Australia, the parent company of Maxi-Cosi, also advised against the viral hack, telling Yahoo "Maxi-Cosi does not recommend any other uses whereby the capsule is attached as such mentioned in the [provided] example.
It reiterated that the capsule is designed to be used "as a car seat in a vehicle where the capsule is attached to a base". It can also be used as "part of a travel system whereby approved stroller/pram manufacturers sell adaptors for the capsule to be removed from the base in the car and attached to a pram".
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'Parent hack' prompts social media debate
Responding to the mum's video, some also advised against the "ultimate parent hack" with many agreeing "babies shouldn't be in a capsule for too long". Some also claimed that attaching the capsule to the trolley can "damage the latch on the capsule" meaning it might not be able to be secured properly in the car.
"My child actually stopped breathing in their capsule at 6 weeks after 30 mins, so beg my pardon for the concern," said one mother. "It is handy but personally i wouldn’t risk it," said another.
Meanwhile, others suggested opting for a trolley with a built-in seat instead. It's understood Woolworths customers can still find some trolleys with in-built seats at select stores.
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