Fifty Reported Deaths from Infant Sleepers

Fifty Reported Deaths from Infant Sleepers

USA- Consumerreports.com writes that while Fisher-Price issued a recall on its sleepers, similar products are on the market, and parents are advised to avoid them. After an initial report of infant fatalities linked to sleepers, reports surfaced of additional deaths caused by the products, bringing the death toll up to more than 50. Manufacturers recalled Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper and a product manufactured Kids II, and yet various similar sleepers remain on the shelves putting children at risk.

The products are made to keep babies at an incline of between 10 and 30 degrees. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the incline cane cause suffocation and airway compression in babies. Experts say that the sleepers are not a safe place for babies to sleep and that the only way parents should be putting their babies down to sleep is on their backs, alone and unrestrained, on flat, firm surfaces without any soft bedding.

For years the sleepers have been under scrutiny as several similar models have been recalled after infant deaths. Still, several manufacturers, including Evenflo, Baby Delight, and Hiccapop continue to sell products designed in the same way and for the same purpose. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has not yet taken action to ban the sleepers despite the clear risks posed to infants.

Now congress is proposing to take steps to remove these products from the market and to prevent the introduction of products that fail to meet best infant sleep practices.

There are other products that place infants at an incline, but that are not intended for sleep. This includes bouncy chairs. These products are safe under supervision, but parents should move a sleeping baby to a firm flat surface.