CPSC Warns Against Baby Mattresses, Pads That Make Unfounded Claims About Reducing SIDS

March 16, 2000
Release # 00-079

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For Immediate Release;
Contact: Nychelle Fleming
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1192

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers that certain baby mattresses and mattress pads encourage the potentially deadly practice of placing babies to sleep on their stomachs, and claim that the products reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Despite the claims, CPSC is not aware of any evidence that proves that babies can safely be placed to sleep on their stomachs on these products, or that using the products will reduce the risk of SIDS. Parents and caregivers should never put babies to sleep on their stomachs, whether on these products or any others.

The following products make the claims through their advertising and marketing, including their instructions and packaging. Due to the efforts of CPSC, these firms have stopped manufacturing and distributing the products. CPSC also has requested that retailers stop sale and remove the products from store shelves immediately.

According to CPSC, the risk of SIDS is significantly reduced by placing babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and no soft bedding. There are about 3,000 SIDS deaths per year--a reduction of about 38 percent in the 5 years following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that babies be placed to sleep on their backs. The four products involved in CPSC's action have been sold for about $30 to $100 in baby, drug and discount department stores; in catalogs; and on the Internet, including the following web sites: www.sidsprevent.com, www.kidsafeprod.com and flashmall.com.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the products and their claims.