The CPSC just released new guidelines for infant sleep products, here's what you need to know

A parent’s number one priority is always to keep their baby as safe as possible, especially as it relates to sleep. And when it comes to products, it can sometimes be confusing to navigate what is safe and what isn't, with so many new products being introduced all the time. 

Well the CPSC just released new guidelines for infant sleep products that are designed to ensure that any product marketed for sleep is meeting specific federal safety standards starting in 2022. This is great news for parents, because there is currently not a requirement in place, and so many parents have to make decisions about whether or not to use a sleep product with their child on their own and with little research provided. 

According to the CPSC, “this will effectively eliminate potentially hazardous sleep products in the marketplace that do not meet a CPSC mandatory standard for infant sleep, such as inclined sleepers, travel and compact bassinets, and in-bed sleepers, which have been linked to dozens of infant deaths”. 

At My Sweet Sleeper, we have done a lot of work to ensure that parents know that we do NOT recommend products like the dock-a-tot, rock ‘n plays, and other products that allow baby to sleep on an incline or a surface that is too soft. We understand that many parents make choices out of desperation and exhaustion, and we completely understand that, but we also know it is completely possible for your baby to sleep well AND safely without the great risk that is posed to them when using these products.

Acting Chairman Robert Adler states, “What we’ve done today fulfills the most sacred of our obligations as Commissioners—to take steps to protect vulnerable consumers, including babies,” “Today’s vote ensures that when a product is intended or marketed for sleep, it will indeed be safe for an infant to sleep.”

What exactly are the requirements?

These have not yet been released in detail, but what we do know is that this new standard will require that products which are not already approved by the CPSC (especially products that are inclined) will have to undergo testing to ensure that the angle of the sleep surface in their product is 10 degrees or lower. Additionally, they will need to meet the Safety Standards for Bassinets and Cradles which you can read more about here.

Additionally, the CPSC is set to release safety standards for crib bumpers and crib mattresses later this year.

What do I do if I am using a sleep product that is inclined or not meant for sleep (such as a lounger, swing, etc.)

To be blunt, stop. We recognize that many babies struggle with sleeping on a flat and firm crib/bassinet mattress, after-all, it is quite different than being snuggled up on you, but we urge you to consider the safety risks that are involved and the potential life threatening outcome.

If you are struggling to get your baby to sleep in a safe space, please reach out to us and we are happy to provide you with resources and support to ensure that your baby is as safe as possible during sleep. 

You can find the full CPSC article here.

Other helpful articles: The Safe Sleep Practices Every Parent Should Know

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