The New York Times
WASHINGTON — Twelve infants have been suffocated and dozens have been endangered by sleep positioners marketed as protecting against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), federal officials said Wednesday. The officials, from two federal agencies, said the devices — flat or inclined mats with side bolsters — should be taken off the market.
"We are very concerned about the risk that this product poses to babies," said Inez Moore Tenenbaum, chairwoman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The positioners, sold in baby-supply stores, are supposed to keep infants lying on their back. But the government said most of the infants suffocated after rolling from a side to a stomach position.
The officials said that none of the many products being promoted for SIDS prevention had ever been proved effective and that nearly all should be avoided.
"Many products are out there making these claims, and these must stop," said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. "They are illegal devices."
Dr. Rachel Moon, chairwoman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' task force on the syndrome, said that other worrisome anti-SIDS products on the market included crib bumpers, "co-sleepers," breathable mattresses, wedges and foam pads.
"There are hundreds of these products out there that could potentially cause harm," said Moon.
Products that have extensive foam, memory foam, significant cushioning or anything else on which a baby might suffocate should never be used in a crib, Moon said.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2013031860_infant30.html
"We are very concerned about the risk that this product poses to babies," said Inez Moore Tenenbaum, chairwoman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The positioners, sold in baby-supply stores, are supposed to keep infants lying on their back. But the government said most of the infants suffocated after rolling from a side to a stomach position.
The officials said that none of the many products being promoted for SIDS prevention had ever been proved effective and that nearly all should be avoided.
"Many products are out there making these claims, and these must stop," said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, principal deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. "They are illegal devices."
Dr. Rachel Moon, chairwoman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' task force on the syndrome, said that other worrisome anti-SIDS products on the market included crib bumpers, "co-sleepers," breathable mattresses, wedges and foam pads.
"There are hundreds of these products out there that could potentially cause harm," said Moon.
Products that have extensive foam, memory foam, significant cushioning or anything else on which a baby might suffocate should never be used in a crib, Moon said.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2013031860_infant30.html
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