Manufacturers of sleep positioners say the product encourages back sleeping which in turn will reduce the risk of SIDS. However, the sleep positioners are not recommended by any SIDS or medical groups, and have been known to suffocate children when they are not able to move their face away from the wedge.
In September 2010, CPSC and FDA issued a strongly worded warning urging parents to stop using this product and rely on tested methods to reduce the risk of SIDS — back sleeping, bare crib, non-smoking household among others.
Although this product has not been recalled, KID joins CPSC and FDA in recommending that parents do NOT take this unnecessary risk. Andrew’s parents have joined in KID’s mission to improve children’s product safety, urging parents not to use the wedge because it is extremely dangerous.
A recall or a corrective action had been issued for other portable cribs and play yards for various reasons such as risk of serious injury or death if mis-assembled; choking or entanglement hazards; head entrapment or suffocation; and risk of injury from tipping when legs on the product become loose and separate.
More Information on Sleep Positioners
The American Academy of Pediatrics Crib Safety Check List
Danny's Story
On May 12, 1998, 16-month-old Daniel Keysar was strangled to death at his licensed childcare facility when a Playskool Travel-Lite portable crib collapsed, trapping his neck in the "V" of its folded rails.
Aiden's Story
Aiden suffocated on the crib bumper pad in his crib. He was six months old. "My beloved grandson was literally the light of my life."
Ellie's Story
Ellie died when the changing table attachment on a play yard came down on the back of her neck as she stood up. She was thirteen months old.
Liam's Story
Liam died when he was entrapped by the defective drop-side of his crib. He was nine months old.
Jared's Story
Jared was strangled when the top rails of his portable crib collapsed. He was eight months old.
Riley's Story
Riley was strangled when the side rail of her portable crib collapsed around her neck. She was 10 months old.
Ethan's Story
Ethan died just months after Riley when he was strangled in the same type portable crib. He was eight months old.