In a recent MedWatch release, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents of the dangers associated with infant sleep positioners.

The FDA suggests to parents, nannies, and other caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioners, also referred to as “nests” or “anti-roll” products. According to reports gathered over the last 13 years, the positioners can cause suffocation leading to death.

In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of infant deaths due to suffocation associated with sleep positioners, most deaths occurring when babies suffocated after rolling from their side to their stomach. In addition to the 12 deaths, the government commission has received multiple reports of infants who were placed on their backs or sides in the positioners and found later in hazardous, dangerous positions within or next to the positioners.

In order to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on a firm surface, positioned on their backs. No soft objects, toys, pillows, or loose bedding should be close by. MedWatch suggests that parents and caregivers remember the ABC’s of safe infant sleep: “Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.” Other safe sleep suggestions include;

• Never put pillows, blankets, loose sheets, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib as these products can be a suffocation threat. Adequate clothing, instead of blankets, can keep a baby warm.
• Always keep cribs and sleeping areas totally empty, clear of toys, stuffed animals, and other possible hazards.

If you or a loved one have experienced an adverse event related to the use of a sleep positioner, the FDA encourages you to report the event to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys

The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates know that most of the time, parents do all they can to keep their children safe. Often times, professional negligence gets in the way and we are left to deal with the physical and emotional consequences. These warnings from the FDA are helpful, but product manufacturers are also responsible for producing good, safe products for our children. If your child has been injured by a sleep positioner or other defective product, contact the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates. Our extremely skilled team of attorneys is experienced in cases regarding injuries to children. Call toll-free at 877-MessaLaw or submit a free online inquiry.

Let the attorneys at Messa & Associates secure peace of mind and financial security for you and your family.