Infant sleep can be challenging and there’s are plenty of products on the market designed to improve infant sleep. Unfortunately, many are not safe or effective.
For example, weighted sleep products like wearable blankets and swaddles claim to improve sleep, but there is little evidence to support their safety and effectiveness. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns against weighted sleep products in their safe sleep guidelines.
Avoid Weighted Sleep Products
Approximately 3,400 sleep-related infant fatalities occur in the United States each year. Many are linked to unsafe sleep environments. The AAP says that weighted sleep products could impair arousal from sleep, potentially increasing the risk of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID). The pressure on infants’ rib cages could also impact their breathing and heart rates.
Major retailers such as Target, Walmart, Amazon, Nordstrom, and Babylist have removed weighted infant sleepwear from their shelves.
Safe Infant Sleep Recommendations from the AAP
Babies should be placed on their backs for sleep in their own sleep space—a crib, play yard, or bassinet that meets federal safety standards and hasn’t been recalled by the CPSC. Babies should sleep alone with nothing except for a fitted sheet on a firm, flat mattress. Avoid sleeping in seating devices such as swings and bouncers. Keep loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed toys, and other items out of the sleep space.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
