In a significant move, four major retailers—Amazon, Walmart, Buy Buy Baby, and eBay—have discontinued the sale of infant inclined sleepers that have been associated with numerous infant deaths. This action follows a letter from Consumer Reports to Amazon and 14 other retailers urging them to cease selling these potentially hazardous products, which research has identified as unsafe.
The letter emphasizes that the evidence surrounding inclined sleep products is alarming. It notes that at least 73 infant deaths have been linked to these sleepers. “Given the strong evidence suggesting that products with an inclined back surface are inherently unsafe, we strongly recommend that your company promptly remove all such items from your shelves and online platforms. This is crucial for protecting infants and ensuring that customers receive reliable information about safe sleep practices,” the letter states.
Consumer Reports not only warned retailers but also provided concrete reasons why they should act. Recent findings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), based on biomechanical research led by Dr. Erin M. Mannen, revealed that none of the inclined sleep products tested were safe for infant use. The CPSC subsequently advised parents and caregivers to refrain from using items with inclined seat backs greater than 10 degrees.
This alarming situation indicates that the issue is not limited to isolated brands; rather, every tested product of this kind has been deemed unsafe. Citing specific examples, Consumer Reports mentioned the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper and Kids II rocking sleepers, both of which position infants at dangerously inclined angles between 10 and 30 degrees.
“Infant inclined sleepers are not safe for baby sleep, and there is significant momentum to have them entirely removed from the market,” stated Jessica Lane, a safety policy manager. “All retailers and platforms must eliminate these items immediately, including Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, which have not yet banned them despite the actions taken by eBay and Amazon.”
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In summary, the collective action of these retailers marks a significant step forward in ensuring infant safety, as inclined sleepers have been linked to tragic outcomes. The removal of these products from the market is essential for protecting infants and providing parents with safer alternatives.