Additional Piece: Baby Loungers and Infant Safety
As parents, we want nothing but the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to their safety and well-being. However, with the numerous products available in the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to choose. One such product that has recently come under scrutiny is the newborn lounger. The Boppy newborn loungers, in particular, have been linked to 10 infant deaths, leading to their recall in September 2021. With two more deaths reported since their withdrawal, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to understand why these loungers pose a risk to infants and what they can do to ensure their babies’ safety.
Why Baby Loungers Can Be Dangerous
Infants are particularly vulnerable to suffocation due to their underdeveloped airways and inability to move themselves out of risky positions. Baby loungers are designed to provide a comfortable and secure space for infants to rest and play. However, if not used correctly, these products can become hazardous for babies. Here are some reasons why:
– Positional asphyxia: If an infant is placed in a position that obstructs their airway, like on their side or stomach, they can suffocate. Baby loungers that support an upright or inclined position, like the Boppy loungers, can increase the risk of positional asphyxia.
– Soft surfaces and bedding: Soft surfaces, like pillows, blankets, or soft mattresses, can conform to an infant’s face and obstruct their breathing. Baby loungers that come with soft surfaces or that are used with soft bedding pose suffocation risks.
– Adult bedding and furniture: Infants may be placed on a baby lounger on an adult bed or sofa, which can have soft surfaces and be potentially hazardous. Sharing a bed with a parent or caregiver or being left unsupervised on an adult bed can also increase the risk of suffocation.
How to Ensure Infant Safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that parents and caregivers stop using the recalled Boppy newborn loungers immediately and dispose of them. However, beyond that, there are other measures that parents can take to ensure their infants’ safety:
– Choose safe sleep environments: Infants should sleep on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets safety standards. Avoid adding soft bedding, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to an infant’s sleeping space.
– Position infants properly: Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep, even for naps. Side and stomach sleeping increase the risk of suffocation. If an infant has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other medical conditions that require an inclined sleeping position, consult with a pediatrician to find safe solutions.
– Supervise infants while awake: Infants should never be left unattended on baby loungers, adult beds, or other soft surfaces. A supervising adult should be nearby to monitor the baby’s breathing and position.
– Choose safe baby gear: When buying baby gear and accessories, look for products that meet safety standards and have no history of recalls. Check the CPSC website frequently for updates and information on product recalls.
Summary:
Recent deaths linked to recalled Boppy newborn loungers have raised concerns about their safety and efficacy. Infant safety is paramount, and parents should avoid using such loungers. Other measures, like choosing safe sleep environments, supervising infants, and choosing safe baby gear, can significantly reduce the risk of infant harm. Remember, parental supervision is crucial, and infants should never be left unattended on baby loungers, adult beds, or other soft surfaces. Always do your research and choose products that are tested and certified for infant safety.
—————————————————-
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Artful Impressions | Premiere Etsy Store |
| Sponsored Content | View |
| 90’s Rock Band Review | View |
| Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide | View |
| Nature’s Secret to More Energy | View |
| Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss | View |
| MacBook Air i3 vs i5 | View |
| You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield | View |
By Cara Murez
HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, June 8, 2023 (HealthDay News) — After two more child deaths, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to to stop using the recalled Boppy newborn loungers, which are now linked to 10 deaths in total.
The loungers were withdrawn from the market in September 2021 due to the deaths of eight babies. Two additional deaths have been reported since the withdrawal, the commission said Wednesday.
The recall includes Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. They are made by the Boppy Company of Golden, Colorado.
Babies can suffocate if they roll, move or are placed on the lounger in a position that obstructs their breathing.
In one death, in October 2021, the infant was placed in the lounger to sleep and rolled under a nearby adult pillow. The cause of death was postural asphyxia or suffocation.
In November 2021, a baby was placed in a newborn lounger in an adult bed with a parent and soft bedding. That baby was later found dead in the lounger. The cause of death was undetermined.
It is illegal to offer for sale or donate a product that has been recalled by the CPSC. The CPSC has urged online marketplaces to stop listing these products for sale.
Consumers can contact the Boppy Company for instructions on disposing of the lounger for a refund.
Call the company at 800-416-1355 from 9 am to 5 pm ET Monday through Friday or visit www.boppy.com and click on “Product Recalls” for more information.
The best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. Never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to a baby’s sleeping environment. Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep, the CPSC advised.
More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics has information on safe sleep.
SOURCE: US Consumer Product Safety Commission, press release, June 6, 2023
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20230608/recalled-newborn-loungers-tied-to-2-more-infant-deaths?src=RSS_PUBLIC
—————————————————-