More than 3,500 infants die in sleep-related incidents in the United States every year — and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data show that the vast majority of these deaths involve at least one preventable mistake in the sleep environment. Soft bedding, inclined surfaces, bed sharing, and unsafe sleep products account for most of these losses, and most parents who make these mistakes do not know they are dangerous.
The Only Safe Sleep Environment
CPSC is unequivocal: the only safe infant sleep environment is a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet and nothing else. No blankets. No pillows. No sleep positioners. No bumper pads. No inclined inserts. No stuffed animals. No wedges. Nothing else in the sleep space at all.
Soft Bedding
Soft bedding — including blankets, pillows, pillow-like crib bumpers, and plush toys — is one of the leading causes of infant sleep deaths. Young infants cannot reposition themselves when their airway becomes obstructed by soft material. This is not a matter of the item being over the infant’s face — airway obstruction can occur from material pressing against the side of the face or neck.
Inclined Sleep Products
Inclined sleepers, rockers, bouncers, gliders, and swings are not safe sleep surfaces. Any incline greater than 10 degrees is not safe for unsupervised infant sleep. Inclined positions can cause an infant’s head to fall forward, collapsing the airway in a position called positional asphyxia. Infants cannot rescue themselves from this position. CPSC has issued multiple recalls and warnings against inclined infant sleep products.
Bed Sharing
Bed sharing between adults and infants significantly increases the risk of sleep-related infant death through overlying and entrapment. CPSC recommends that infants always sleep in their own separate safe sleep environment — never on an adult bed, couch, or chair.
Common Mistakes to Check for Right Now
- Is the sleep surface firm and flat? Soft mattresses and inclined surfaces are not safe.
- Is anything else in the sleep space — blankets, pillows, bumpers, or positioners?
- Is the infant being placed to sleep on their back? Back sleeping is the safest position.
- Is the baby being put to sleep in a swing, bouncer, or rocker? Transfer to a crib or bassinet immediately.
- Is the crib, bassinet, or play yard certified to meet current federal safety standards?
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Safe-Sleep-Cribs-and-Infant-Products
