CPSC Rules To Ban Dangerous Infant Sleepers

Yesterday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to stop manufacturers from selling dangerous infant sleepers. The federal agency that oversees thousands of different household products sided with medical experts on products such as “inclined sleepers.” Inclined sleepers position babies at an angle of great than 10 degrees and have proven to be extremely dangerous. Altogether, these types of products have been linked to more than 100 infant deaths. Parents who use inclined sleepers should stop immediately.

Inclined Sleepers

These products come in a wide variety. Some are in-bed sleepers (which are meant for parents who want to share their bed with their babies), sleep hammocks, and bassinets without a stand. These products do not align with the Safe Sleep Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Academy only recommends babies to sleep alone on their backs, on a firm, flat, and stable surface, that is free from soft bedding or restraints in order to decrease the risk of suffocation. However, because of the way these products are marketed, many parents believe these products are safe for infants.

This comes as an ongoing investigation reveals that sleepers such as the “Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper” have been linked to 94 infant deaths. In-bed sleepers such as the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest and the DockATot have been linked to at least 12 fatalities. 11 more deaths have been linked to products like baby boxes and soft-sided travel beds. Almost 120 infants have died in connection to these hazardous infant sleep products.

Once the rule takes effect in just over a year, sleepers meant for babies up to 5 months old must meet the existing safety standards of one of five federally regulated product categories meant for infant sleep: full-sized cribs, non-full-sized cribs, bassinets/cradles, play yards, and bedside sleepers. Yesterday’s ruling, however, makes clear that only federally regulated, safety-tested infant sleep products (cribs, bassinets/cradles, play yards, and bedside sleepers) will be allowed for sale on store shelves and online.

What This Means For Consumers

Unfortunately, you will still see these dangerous products online and on store shelves. This ruling will not go into effect for at least a year. Additionally, this ruling does not require manufacturers to stop selling these products completely. They are allowed to continue selling and marketing them, but just not for sleep. Experts encourage parents to immediately stop using any product for infant sleep if it does not meet CPSC safety standards. If you are unsure about a product you use, contact the company. Products that are marketed towards infants are not always safe. Far too often, companies take advantage of the trust parents give them to make a quick buck.

Since inclined sleepers were invented in 2009, they have been controversial. Fisher-Price was the first to release these products, and it resulted in 4.7 million of its “Rock ‘n PLay inclined sleepers to be recalled. This is after dozens of infant deaths were connected to the product. This product allowed babies to sleep at a 30-degree angle, which increased the likelihood of suffocation. However, the recall did not pull these products off store shelves.

CPSC’s decision comes as Executives from Fisher-Price and its parent company, Mattel, are expected to testify at a House Oversight and Reform Committee. The hearing is set for next Monday and will focus on the Rock ‘n Play inclined sleeper.

To report an unsafe product or to see whether a product has been recalled, or is linked to injuries, go to saferproducts.gov.

Call Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers if You’re Injured By a Dangerous Product

Injuries caused by a dangerous product can be complicated. All of this can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. After receiving medical attention, contact Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers right away. We can handle the legalities of your case while you focus on recovering. With our skilled legal representation by your side, you may be able to secure full and fair compensation for your damages. Contact us at (866) 523-4167 to schedule a free case evaluation at our Brownsville, McAllen, or San Antonio offices.