Sleep reducers have been banned in Great Britain because they are considered unsafe for children. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), parents should not put babies in reducers to reduce the risk of choking.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousSleep reducers have been banned in Great Britain because they are considered unsafe for children. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), parents should not put babies in reducers to reduce the risk of choking.
These products, designed to support babies' heads, can increase the risk of suffocation and even lead to death.
The two most common types of reducers used for sleep have overhead supports or pillows connected together by a soft fabric or some sort of concave support to lift the baby's head. They cause the baby to take a specific position while sleeping and are intended for infants under 6 months of age.
But they are not at all sure. To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents not use any supports for infants and let them sleep on an uncluttered surface.
Some manufacturers have advertised that theirs reducers for sleep are able to prevent SIDS. But the FDA, which regulates baby products, has disproved this by saying there is no scientific evidence to back up such claims about sleep devices.
Some British retailers including online including ebay have already withdrawn these reducers from sales.
EGGI also:
-
DISCOVERED THE CAUSE OF SIDS? IS IT ALL ABOUT SEROTONIN?
- CHILD SAFETY: 6 GOLDEN RULES TO FOLLOW AT HOME
So how can we guarantee babies a safer sleep?
The FDA recommends:
NEVER use sleep reducers for infants.
NEVER put pillows, blankets, sheets, duvets or quilts under the baby. Babies do not need pillows and appropriate clothing can be used instead of blankets. It is also good to avoid putting toys, even soft ones, in the bed.
Francesca Mancuso
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