Retailers have taken baby sleep wedges and positioners off their shelves
Major US and UK-based retailers have halted the sale of these devices after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the products to at least 12 baby deaths in America, in some of which, babies had rolled from their side to their front and suffocated.
Big names such as John Lewis, Tesco, Mothercare and eBay have removed all baby sleep wedges and positioners from their ‘shelves’.
Many new moms are given, or purchase a sleep wedge or sleep positioned system to help their young baby sleep in one position, in the hope that they may ‘sleep longer’ and ‘more safely’.
The FDA said it was “reminding parents and caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioners. These products – sometimes also called ‘nests’ or ‘anti-roll’ products – can cause suffocation (a struggle to breathe) that can lead to death.”
In agreement with the FDA is the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP). The AAP’s ‘Sleep Safe’ campaign went live in October 2016. They released 19 recommendations one of which was the removal of all loose sheets, bumpers, wedges, pillows or toys in the cot.
No major South African retailers have released any statements about where they stand on the issue.
To find out more information about how to help your new baby sleep safe you can read more of the ‘Sleep safe’ guidelines here.
Safe baby sleep tips
Did you know; there should be no loose sheets, bumpers, wedges, pillows or toys in your baby’s cot? Get peace of mind and cover your baby’s mattress with the Sealy Posturepedic® Soft Touch Cot Mattress Protector – it’s made from natural bamboo fabric and is a breathable fitted sheet.
