Wahakura

The wahakura is a woven baby bed made from harakeke (flax) and is designed to protect baby by providing a safe sleeping space in an adult bed.  It originated as an indigenous response to the high rates of SUDI for Māori and the risks associated with co-sleeping and maternal smoking. The wahakura is suitable for baby from birth to 6 months of age. It is rectangular in shape, and has an open weave so is naturally ventilated to allow airflow to regulate temperature around baby.  It is handmade and not treated with any toxic chemicals or products.

The wahakura can be woven by a weaver that you may know (see below for instructions) or can be purchased from the selection of experienced weavers included in the section entitled Wahakura Weaver Profiles. 

If you would like to profile yourself as a weaver on our website, go here to register - it's Free!

The Wahakura Project 2010

In June 2010, the Health Research Council awarded funding to lead researchers Dr David Tipene-Leach and Professor Barry Taylor (Otago University Child Health) to determine the safety of the wahakura for babies to sleep in. The research team also includes Angeline Tangiora and Dr Sally Baddock (Otago University Midwifery).

Through midwifery services in the Hawkes Bay region, 240 mothers will be recruited and randomly allocated either a wahakura or portable cot. The sleep patterns of the babies will be monitored at one and three months. Safety and the effects of the wahakura on rates of breastfeeding, infant sleep duration and bonding between mother and baby will be investigated. This study will make an important contribution to our understanding of infant care practices and safety aspects of the wahakura.

Wahakura Resources

More information on wahakura and safe sleeping, making a wahakura and caring for a wahakura can be found on the below link: 

Wahakura book 5.3.07 2007