Evie Summers
Inclined sleepers for babies have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths, yet they are still available on the second-hand market. Reputable medical organizations continue to warn against the dangers of letting young infants sleep on an incline. The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface. This position helps keep their airways open and reduces the risk of rebreathing air with lower oxygen levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Inclined sleepers have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths. |
| Medical opinion | Reputable medical organizations warn against the use of inclined sleepers for infants. |
| Government policy | The CPSC has banned inclined sleepers for infants, effective September 15, 2023. |
| Product recalls | Some inclined sleepers have been recalled, with refunds offered to original purchasers. |
| Safe sleep environment | A firm, flat, and level surface is recommended for newborns, such as a crib mattress with a fitted sheet. |
| Safe sleep position | The safest sleep position for newborns is on their back. |
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What You'll Learn
Inclined sleepers have been linked to infant deaths
Inclined sleepers have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 1,108 reports of incidents related to inclined sleeper injuries, including 73 infant deaths, between January 2005 and June 2019. The CPSC has cautioned caregivers to avoid using any infant inclined sleeper, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that there is no such thing as a safe infant inclined sleeper.
The dangers of inclined sleepers were highlighted in a 2019 Consumer Reports investigation, which tied the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper to at least 32 infant deaths and the Kids II inclined sleepers to several more. This prompted the recall of 4.7 million inclined sleepers. Despite these recalls, inclined sleepers are still sold and appear on the second-hand market.
The risks associated with inclined sleepers include the possibility of infants sliding into an unsafe sleep position, with their heads slumping forward and cutting off their airway. An incline of more than 10 degrees and soft or plush surfaces increase the risk of infant injury. In contrast, flat and firm surfaces are recommended for infant sleep.
The AAP recommends that infants sleep alone, on their backs, unrestrained, on a firm, flat surface free of soft bedding and padded bumpers. This goes against the design of inclined sleepers, which are not flat and have soft bedding and restraint harnesses.
The Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2019, a bill presented in the House of Representatives, aims to ban the sale of inclined sleepers and label them as hazardous products. While this bill passed the House, it is still under deliberation in the Senate as of December 2020.
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They can cause suffocation
Inclined sleepers have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths. The CPSC has advised that these products be disposed of immediately and not resold or rehomed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a hard, flat surface. Soft surfaces, such as couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, air or pillow-top adult mattresses, quilts, blankets, and sheepskins, are not safe for babies to sleep on. Sleeping under quilts, blankets, sheepskins, and other soft coverings increases the risk of sleep-related infant death from suffocation and strangulation.
Babies should sleep on their backs on a firm surface such as a crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet. The crib should be empty and should not have soft or loose objects like bedding, toys, and crib bumpers that could pose a suffocation risk. The mattress protector should not be padded or soft, as this makes it more likely that your child will be able to breathe easily, even if they roll over.
Inclined sleepers can also cause infants to slide into an unsafe sleep position, increasing the risk of suffocation. Sleeping on an incline can make it harder for a baby to breathe easily, and it is important to check their breathing and take regular breaks during long drives.
Bed sharing is not recommended, as it increases the risk of SIDS and sleep-related death. It is also very risky for the baby in certain situations. Room sharing without bed sharing is the safest option.
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They do not help with reflux
Inclined sleepers have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths and are considered dangerous for newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be placed supine for sleep on a flat, firm surface to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Placing infants in an inclined position is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers or implemented by caregivers to reduce gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms. However, studies have shown that inclined positions do not significantly reduce GER symptoms compared to the supine position.
Inclined sleepers do not effectively address reflux in infants and pose safety concerns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long recommended that infants be placed on their backs for sleep, on a flat, firm surface, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This recommendation is based on extensive research and is widely accepted as the safest sleep position for newborns.
Contrary to popular belief, inclined sleepers do not provide any significant benefit for infants with reflux. While it may seem logical that elevating the head would reduce reflux, studies have shown that this position does not improve reflux symptoms. In fact, the AAP's 2016 SIDS guidelines cited a study that found no reduction in GERD symptoms when infants were placed on an incline. Additionally, the inclined position may increase the risk of choking or sliding into an unsafe position.
Instead of using inclined sleepers, parents should follow the AAP's recommendations for safe sleep practices. This includes placing infants on their backs on a flat, firm surface, such as a safety-approved crib or bassinet, without any soft bedding or crib bumpers. It is also important to keep the baby's sleep area free of hazards, such as pillows, blankets, and toys, which can increase the risk of suffocation or strangulation.
To manage reflux symptoms, there are other strategies that parents can employ. Burping the baby during and after feeding, feeding in a sitting or upright position, and keeping the baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding can help. Feeding smaller amounts more frequently, checking for food sensitivities, and reducing air intake during feeding can also alleviate reflux. Consulting with a trained IBCLC or a pediatric chiropractor can provide specialized advice and support for managing reflux.
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Safe sleep practices include a firm, flat surface
Safe sleep practices are crucial for newborns, and it is essential to understand that their sleep environment should include a firm, flat, and level surface. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure a safe sleep environment for your newborn:
Firstly, choose a suitable sleep surface. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns and infants sleep on a hard, flat surface. Specifically, opt for a firm mattress in a crib, cot, bassinet, or baby box. This surface should quickly return to its original shape if pressed on and should be devoid of any soft bedding, pillows, or blankets that could pose a suffocation hazard. Even though it may seem sparse, a crib with only a fitted sheet over the mattress is the safest option for your baby.
Secondly, be cautious about the sleep position of your newborn. The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back. This position optimizes the reflexes that keep their airways open, including swallowing, stirring, and waking up if their breathing becomes obstructed. Sleeping on their back also reduces the likelihood of rebreathing exhaled air, which contains less oxygen. Additionally, ensure that your baby's sleep environment is free from any soft or loose objects, such as toys, crib bumpers, or stuffed animals, as these can also increase the risk of suffocation.
Thirdly, consider the temperature and ventilation of the sleep environment. Your newborn should be dressed in comfortable clothing that keeps them warm but does not cause them to overheat. Avoid using hats or beanies, as they can quickly lead to overheating. Maintain a moderate temperature in the room, and ensure any heating or cooling sources are directed away from the baby. Electric blankets and hot water bottles should not be used in the baby's sleep space.
Finally, create a safe sleep environment through proper co-sleeping practices. While bed-sharing with adults, other children, or pets is not recommended due to the increased risk of SIDS and sleep-related death, room-sharing without bed-sharing is a safer option. If you are breastfeeding, having your baby nearby makes it more convenient and allows you to monitor them easily. You can create a safe sleep surface while co-sleeping by using a safety-approved crib or bassinet next to your bed.
In summary, safe sleep practices for newborns include providing a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a crib mattress with a fitted sheet, ensuring the baby sleeps on their back, maintaining a comfortable temperature, and practicing safe co-sleeping arrangements. By following these guidelines, you can help create a safe and peaceful sleep environment for your newborn.
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Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended
Inclined sleepers for babies have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths and are considered dangerous by reputable medical organizations. They can cause babies to slide into an unsafe sleeping position, increasing the risk of suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a hard, flat surface, such as a crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet, and not on an incline. The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back, as it keeps their airways open and reduces the risk of rebreathing air with lower oxygen levels.
Therefore, room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for newborns and infants. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. It is unsafe for babies to sleep on an adult mattress, couch, or armchair, with or without others or pets. Soft surfaces and items like couches, sofas, quilts, blankets, and pillows increase the risk of suffocation and strangulation.
Room-sharing, on the other hand, makes feeding, comforting, and monitoring the baby easier. Keeping the baby in a safety-approved crib next to the adult bed allows for easy checking and breastfeeding without having to leave the room. If a parent falls asleep while feeding or comforting the baby in their bed, they should move the baby back to their separate sleep area as soon as they wake up.
To create a safe sleep environment, the baby's space should be free from any soft or loose objects that could cause suffocation, such as bedding, toys, and crib bumpers. The room temperature should be moderate, and the baby should be dressed warmly but not too warmly to avoid overheating. Additionally, breastfeeding is known to reduce the risk of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents.
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Frequently asked questions
No, inclined sleepers have been linked to hundreds of infant deaths and are considered dangerous for newborns. The CPSC has banned inclined sleepers for infants and advised that you should dispose of this gear immediately and not resell it.
The safest sleep position for newborns is on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface. This ensures that the reflexes that keep their airways open work effectively.
The recommended sleep surface for newborns is a safety-approved crib or bassinet next to the adult bed. The surface should be covered with a fitted sheet and a well-fitted waterproof mattress protector that is not padded or soft.
No, there are no benefits to using an inclined sleeper for newborns. While some parents may assume that the incline helps reduce the chance of reflux or spitting up, Dr. Segura states that it has no effect on reflux and risks the infant sliding into an unsafe sleep position.
Alternatives to inclined sleepers for newborns include holding the baby upright for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding or burping at natural pauses throughout feedings. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on a hard, flat surface.
