In a decisive move, major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Babylist have ceased the sale of weighted infant sleep sacks and swaddles from their platforms and stores. This action follows mounting safety concerns raised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and supported by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Experts caution against using these products due to the potential risks they pose to infants, including restricted movement and increased risk of suffocation.
The AAP has long expressed apprehension over weighted sleep products, citing a lack of evidence supporting their safety or effectiveness in improving infant sleep. Pediatricians such as Dr. Daniel Ganjian and Dr. Danelle Fisher have echoed these concerns. Dr. Ganjian warns that "weighted sleep sacks could increase the risk of suffocation or overheating for infants," while Dr. Fisher notes that they may "prevent the infant from rolling over," a crucial movement for blood flow to muscles.
Despite claims from brands like Dreamland Baby and Nested Bean that their products aid in faster and longer infant sleep, health experts urge caution. Weighted sleep products, often constructed with sewn-in beads or weights, can interfere with a baby's natural sleep movements. This interference has prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to advise parents against using these products.
Amazon's decision to halt sales stems from a commitment to safety.
"In the interest of safety, we informed selling partners on April 9, 2024, that Amazon will no longer allow the sale of weighted infant sleep products in the Amazon store," an Amazon spokesperson stated.
Parents who purchased these items received emails from Amazon advising that such products are unsafe for children under age three. Although Amazon is accepting returns, refunds are not being offered.
The AAP has underscored the importance of stopping swaddling once infants begin attempting to roll over, typically around two months old. Without an official definition from the AAP or CPSC regarding what constitutes a weighted sleep sack or swaddle, the ambiguity adds to parental confusion. However, experts like Dr. Ganjian advise clarity in action:
"If you own a weighted sleep sack, the safest option is to stop using it."
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