What are the dangers of infant inclined sleepers and beds?

An inclined infant sleeper is a type of baby sleeping product designed to position the baby at a slight incline while sleeping. It usually features a cushioned surface with a gentle incline to elevate the baby’s head and upper body.

These products are marketed as aids to help babies sleep better by reducing issues like reflux and colic. However, per the Staff Report of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, U.S. House of Representatives, titled “Infant Deaths in Inclined Sleepers: Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Play Reveals Dangerous Flaws in U.S. Product Safety”, concluded
that products with an incline of 20 degrees or greater are not safe for infant sleep and that the surface of products should have a minimum rigidity, no curvature, and materials used should minimize rebreathing of the same air.

Released in 2008, the most infamous infant-inclined sleeper, the Rock n’ Play by Fisher-Price was heralded as an innovation in the market. Marketed as an overnight sleeper, parents were sold that it was safe for a baby to sleep “all night long” in an inclined position.

However, it was discovered that extremely limited testing was conducted on the product prior to its public release. In fact, no medical doctors were involved during pre-sale testing, and no pediatricians were consulted on whether it was safe for an infant to sleep in an inclined position for a prolonged period of time.

Since their release to the public, numerous inclined infant sleepers have made it to retailers and subsequently recalled by the CPSC:

• Fisher-Price Rock n’ Play Sleepers
• Kids2 Rocking Sleepers
• CaTeam Canvas Baby Hammock Swings
• Kolcraft Inclined Sleeper Accessory Included with Cuddle ‘n Care and Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinets
• Summer Infant SwaddleMe By Your Bed Inclined Sleepers
• Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper Inclined Sleepers
• Eddie Bauer Slumber and Soothe Rock Bassinet / Rocker; & Disney Baby Doze and Dream Bassinet/Rocker

Unfortunately, the number of reported deaths that have been attributed to inclined sleepers now tops 100.

On April 12, 2019, the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper was first recalled after over 30 infant deather were connected to the product. Since the initial recall, another 70 infant fatalities were reported.

While the death toll tells one story, it is still very likely that these dangerous products have caused additional harm and injuries.

While the road to the result has been tumultuous, on August 7, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approved a set of rules ultimately implementing bans on inclined sleepers for infants and crib bumpers. This vote issued two final rules to codify the bans of inclined sleepers for infants and crib bumpers that Congress established in the Safe Sleep for Babies Act (SSBA).

Despite guidance from respected medical and scientific organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that state babies should sleep flat, dangerous inclined sleepers were able to penetrate various safeguards and make to retail shelves.

Parents looking for the best way to put a newborn to bed should follow the ABCs:

• Alone
• Back: Flat on their back
• Crib: In a crib that’s free from soft items that could cause suffocation (comforters, baby bumpers, blankets, toys)

If you have an inclined sleeper stop using it immediately. In fact, take it one step further, dismantle the product and dispose of it to ensure it doesn’t fall into the hands of another unsuspecting parent.

If you know of any friends or family members that have a similar product, instruct them to do the same.

Unfortunately, lives have been lost and families have been devasted due to the hidden dangers that inclined sleepers brought to the market. The saga, while turning in the right direction, is still ongoing. We, as both consumers and parents, need to be vigilant and ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.