Sleeper Recalls and Back to Sleep Guidelines
Infants spend so much time sleeping that it is important for caregivers and parents to provide a safe sleep environment. More than 3,500 babies in the U.S. die every year while sleeping, often due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation.
Many parents have heard the safety slogan, “Back to Sleep”, referring to the recommendation to place a baby:
- on his or her back
- on a separate, flat and firm sleeping surface
- without blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, stuffed toys or other items
This spring, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made further recommendations about infant sleep, specifically targeting the popular Rock n’ Play infant sleepers. Fisher Price recalled 4.7 million of the infant sleepers following reports of 32 infant deaths while using the sleeper, since 2011, and pressure from the AAP to recall the product. The infants died after rolling over when not buckled and others were not able to breathe in the inclined position.
The AAP urges all parents and caregivers to stop using the Rock n’ Play immediately. If you own a Rock n’ Play, you may request a refund.
Check out more tips to keep a baby safe while sleeping and share the information with grandparents and care providers.