The wahakura, a simple woven flax bassinet-like structure capable of being used in the parental bed, enables a separate sleeping surface in the bedsharing environment and is being promoted as a means to minimise the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) amongst Māori. In this study, 12 Māori mothers and 10 key informants who had wahakura experience participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, following Māori cultural protocols, which explored their experiences and views on the wahakura. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The wahakura was valued for its practical appeal: its portability, for enabling bedsharing and making breastfeeding easier. It also had considerable cultural and spiritual appeal because of its native flax composition and traditional origin. Moreover, health professionals found that it facilitated antenatal engagement of Māori women. The study affirmed the acceptability of the wahakura in engaging Māori mothers and families in reducing SUDI risk.
