Do not use a baby sleep positioner

A baby sleep positioner or baby wedge is not safe for your baby so do not use any. The CPSC and FDA warn that babies have died after they got stuck between the infant sleep positioner and the crib side.


Along with the crib safety and SIDS guidelines, always put your baby on her back to sleep: it's the single safe baby sleeping position.

Since parents have been advised to keep baby on the back at the end of the 1980's, SIDS rates have decreased a lot.

On the back is the standard recommended way to sleep for your baby.

But, it is not a good idea to try and keep her on the back with a baby sleep positioner. You probably have seen these rolls or baby wedges in different shapes and sizes. They are sometimes included with an in-bed mini cosleeper (these cosleepers are OK to use, just don't use the positioners, they are detachable) .

And our mothers and grandmothers used them to keep us sleeping ... on the side (which was recommend in the earlier days).

The CPSC report states that several babies have suffocated rolling within the infant sleep positioner and/or getting stuck between one of the wedges and the crib side. It does not mention a recall, but warns against using the positioners.

"To date, there is no scientifically sound evidence that infant sleep positioners prevent SIDS,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner and a pediatrician. “

We want to make sure parents, health care professionals, and childcare providers understand the potential risk of suffocation and stop using infant sleep positioners."

So of course we do not want to risk this. But then you will ask: what if baby rolls over when not in a sleep positioner? Well, if baby is put to sleep on her back in an empty crib, as recommended, and then rolls over, the risk of suffocating is lower. Exactly because there is no extra pillow or wedge around.

A right-size wearable blanket or baby sleeping bag is the best help in keeping baby on her back, safely.

Following the SIDS prevention guidelines, you will be near your baby (supervise closely or sleep in the same room) to monitor carefully, especially in those crucial first 4-6 months, or cosleep safely. This way you can monitor your baby closely and roll her over when necessary.

Don't miss out on the all-in-one manual to help your newborn sleep well. The Complete Newborn Sleep Guide is a downloadable e-book that will guide you through these first weeks and into a lifetime of safe and healthy sleep.

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