The Mayo Clinic says one of the most crucial steps in the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is resting your baby in the proper sleeping position. SIDS is the abrupt and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant under 12 months of age. Sleep positioners are intended to keep a newborn in place in the crib. According to Consumer Reports.org, sleep positioners were designed with new parents in mind who are told to place their baby on his back or side to lessen the risk of SIDS. Consumer Reports magazine maintains that store displays promoting sleep positioners are sending parents the wrong message because there are possible dangers linked to their use.
Inadequate Testing
The sleep positioner consists of a frame and a support end often made out of foam to keep an infant in a designated position.The American Pediatric Association (AAP) cautions against the use of the various sleep positioners currently available on the market. The AAP maintains they have not undergone adequate testing to prove their either safety or effectiveness.
Suffocation Risk
Sleep positioners are promoted as being able to lower the risk of SIDS because they encourage infants to sleep on their back or sides. However the National SIDS Alliance says sleep positioners have been known to suffocate babies when they are unable to move their face away from the wedge that keeps the infant in place.
Warnings & Recommendations
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises parents and caregivers to keep cribs free of all pillow-like soft products. Consumer Reports warns against placing anything cushioned in a crib that could restrict a baby's air passages that may lead to suffocation.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends placing your baby on a firm crib mattress that is covered by a fitted sheet. The AAP says although a side sleeping position was formerly believed to be suitable for an infant, new data indicates it is not as safe as back sleeping.
