The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved a new federal rule regarding products marketed or intended for infant sleep. The ruling ensures such products will provide a safe sleep environment for babies that are under five months old.
Starting in 2022, a new federal safety standard will be required of products intended or marketed for infant sleep. There have been numerous recalls of “inclined sleep products” in recent years, but some have still remained on the consumer market. The new mandatory standard will target potentially hazardous sleep products that do not currently follow CPSC standards and guidelines. This includes inclined sleepers, travel and compact bassinets, and in-bed sleepers– all of which have unfortunately been linked to infant deaths.
For more information, please visit our law firm’s main Baby Sleeper Recall Lawsuit page. Some of the larger infant sleep product recalls include the following:
- Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleeper
- Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother
- Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider
- Fisher-Price Inclined Sleeper Accessory
- Kids II Rocking Sleeper Recall
- Graco Little Lounger Rocking Seat
- Delta Incline Sleeper & Simmons Beautyrest Baby Sleepers
- Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper Inclined Baby Sleeper
- Summer Infant SwaddleMe By Your Bed Baby Sleepers
- Kolcraft Cuddle ‘n Care Bassinet
CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler made a statement about the federal ruling.
“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.”
The new rule incorporates a voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F3118-17a, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Inclined Sleep Products) but there will be additional, more stringent safety standards. If a product does not meet existing CPSC safety standards, it must be tested to ensure it is angled at 10 degrees or lower. Additionally, it requires a company to comply with the CPSC’s Safety Standard for Bassinets and Cradles.
Although the rule does not consider bed-sharing without a sleep product, both the CPSC and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned the public about the dangers of bed-sharing and co-sleeping products. The manufacturers will now be responsible for sharing safe products with the parenting market to assist with bed-sharing or co-sleeping.
The new rule does not include items that are expressly not intended for sleep, such as car seats and swings. The CPSC is adamant about reminding parents of the safe way for a baby to sleep: on a firm, hard surface without padding or blankets and pillows. The ruling only addresses products intended for sleep.
There have been at least 251 incidents, including 21 fatalities, that happened between January 2019 and December 2020. The problem with the infant sleep products is the design. There is an increased likelihood of rolling over and asphyxiating, childhood respiratory problems, or the development of physical deformations due to extended use. Sleep products often include padding around the sides which can prevent the infant from breathing if they roll over on their side.
The Commission ruled 3 to 1 in favor of approving the new safety standards on June 2, 2021. Later in the year, the Commission will be considering federal safety standards for crib bumpers and mattresses. For more information about Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, click here.
Questions About an Inclined Infant Sleeper Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one has suffered a loss due to a defectively designed infant/baby sleeper product, you should speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker.
The product liability lawyers at our firm have handled similar lawsuits in the past, are currently representing a number of families devastated by these recalls, and would like to speak with you if you have suffered a tragic loss from this product.
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