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A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly 55% of infants in the United States are still sleeping with unsafe bedding, even though public awareness campaigns have been in place for nearly two decades.
Unsafe bedding, including blankets, pillows, and crib bumpers, increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While the rate of SIDS has decreased since these campaigns began, approximately 4,000 infants still die each year from SIDS. Even more alarming, accidental suffocation deaths among infants doubled between 2000 and 2010.
Mixed Messages for Parents
Parents are receiving mixed signals about what’s safe for their babies. For example, several states have banned crib bumpers due to safety concerns, and the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using them. A study using data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 52 infant deaths related to crib bumpers. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that the CPSC started working on setting safety standards for crib bumpers.
Even with public education efforts, images in the media and advertisements still often show infants sleeping with hazardous materials. A quick search on popular retail sites shows that blankets and crib bumpers are still being sold as baby bedding, with little or no warning about the potential risks.
The Nap Nanny Case
The Nap Nanny, a baby recliner made by Baby Makers LLC, was marketed as a sleep aid for infants. After receiving over 90 complaints, including reports of five infant deaths, the CPSC initiated a recall in 2013. Baby Makers LLC initially refused to recall the product, leading the CPSC to take legal action. Eventually, the company settled, and the Nap Nanny was pulled from the market.
Despite the recall, another infant died from using the Nap Nanny nearly a year later. Between 2009 and 2012, about 165,000 units were sold, and many parents may still be using the product, unaware of the recall. While retailers no longer sell the Nap Nanny, there is still a risk that it could be resold privately.
The CPSC’s quick action against the Nap Nanny contrasts with its slower response on crib bumpers, despite crib bumpers reportedly causing more deaths. This highlights inconsistencies in how consumer safety standards are enforced.
Who’s Responsible?
So, when an infant is injured or dies due to unsafe bedding, who is responsible?
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce and sell infant bedding products have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe. They can be held liable if a product is found to be dangerous.
- CPSC: The CPSC is the federal agency tasked with protecting consumers from unsafe products. They are supposed to independently assess products and take action if they are found to be unsafe.
- Parents: Parents are responsible for researching products and protecting their children from harm. However, they often face conflicting information about what’s safe for their baby, making it difficult to make informed decisions.
In many cases, it’s not clear who is truly responsible. Some parents have reportedly settled with manufacturers, but details of these settlements are often confidential. Additionally, while medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics provide clear guidance, the CPSC may take a different stance due to a lack of direct evidence, as was the case with crib bumpers.
The Need for Clearer Guidance
Manufacturers may continue selling products even when there are concerns about safety. Meanwhile, parents are left to sift through mixed messages, unsure of what to believe. When it comes to infant safety, there needs to be a unified, clear message from regulators, manufacturers, and healthcare providers to prevent further tragedies.
Updated Resources:
For more information on crib safety and recalls, check the CPSC’s Safe Sleep website here.
Learn more about infant sleep safety from the NIH here.
View CDC data on SIDS and infant suffocation here.
