Change For Our Children - pepi-pod

Close and safe

Like its sister, the wahakura, the pepi-pod enables babies to be close to a parent and safe when settling for sleep, wherever that may be. The pepi-pod is the safe space but parents must also provide the safe care. This means 'face-up, face clear, smokefree' conditions every time their baby sleeps. 

What is a pepi-pod?

Pepi means baby in Maori and pod is symbolic of protection in nature. A pepi-pod is a general purpose storage box that converts to a baby sized bed with the addition of an attractive cover, fitting mattress and bedding. It offers babies a safe space when tehy sleep in or on an adult be, on a couch, in a makeshift setting or away from home. These are settings with a higher risk of suffocation.

Who are they for?

Pepi-pods are not for all babies. They are a public health solution to the increased risk of sudden infant death for babies with a weakened drive to breathe due to: smoking in pregnancy, being premature, a low birth weight, formula fed or for some other reason.  

What is the package?

We are currently providing a complete package of: pod, mattress, cover, 2 base sheets, 2 wrap around 'settling' sheets, a double layer merino blanket and a thorough safety briefing and education programme for distributors.

A whole community approach

It needs to be a low cost package to compete as a health funded strategy. To achieve this we have support from across the community. People have sewn covers and sheet sets, companies have provided goods or services at subsidised prices, and health funders have accepted proposals from committed professionals and managers. Concerned professionals are identifying vulnerable babies in need of a pepi-pod, credentialed distributors are briefing parents at pick-up and pepi-pod recipients are helping to spread the education within their networks. This is community at its best!

Change For Our Children website