Hazards of Babies Placed in Adult Beds

The CPSC data shows that babies placed in adult beds are at risk of dying from several hidden hazards including: * Entrapment between the bed and wall, or between the bed and another object. * Entrapment involving headboards, footboards or bed frames. * Soft bedding-related hazards (such as suffocation on a pillow). * Falls (sometimes into a pile of clothing or plastic, resulting in suffocation). * Overlaying of the baby by another child or adult in the bed. The campaign will include a video news release (VNR) that will be fed to stations nationwide highlighting the hazards associated with placing babies in adult beds and safety pamphlets/posters distributed through retailers, hospitals, health departments and various grass roots organizations. Acting CPSC Chairman Thomas Moore said "Many of these tragic deaths associated with placing babies in adult beds are preventable." The CPSC recommends the following safety tips to ensure that babies under 24 months sleep safely: * Don't place a baby to sleep in an adult bed. o Hidden hazard: The baby could become entrapped between the bed & wall, or in headboards, footboards, bedframes. Babies could also fall or suffocate in soft bedding. * Place babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress. If you use a portable crib or playpen, make sure it meets current safety standards. Use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer. * Babies should be placed to sleep on their backs, not their stomachs. o Hidden hazard: According to the Back to Sleep Campaign, "Babies sleeping on their stomachs seem to be more likely to succumb to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)." * Don't place a baby to sleep on soft bedding. o Hidden Hazard: The baby could suffocate. Do not use soft bedding such as pillows and thick quilts and comforters for infants under 12 months old.