New Report Reveals Nursery Items as Significant Threat to Safe Sleep

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its annual Injuries and Deaths Associated with Nursery Products Among Children Younger Than Age Five report on September 21, and with it a reminder to parents that ‘Bare is Best’ when it comes to their child’s sleep spaces.

The report shows that risks associated with nursery products remain high with more than 160 nursery product-related deaths annually. Additionally, Black children are disproportionately impacted by nursery-product related deaths, making up 29 percent of all deaths (compared to 16 percent of the population). The data shows that a majority of these accidents occur in unsafe sleep environments, where soft bedding such as pillows, blankets and/or comforters have been placed in cribs, playpens or bassinets.

“It is important for families to remember that the ways many adults sleep are not safe for young children,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric said in a press release. “CPSC’s message on safe sleep is simple: “bare is best” which means a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard, without blankets, pillows, or other items. If your baby falls asleep in an inclined product, move them to their crib, bassinet or play yard.”

The report also found that in 2022 alone, an estimated 59,500 children under five years old were treated at emergency departments with injuries associated with nursery products, most of which once again occured in cluttered sleep spaces.

The CPSC maintains that most nursery product-related deaths are preventable. Parents can keep their children happy and healthy by adhereing to the practices outlined in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Safe Sleep Guidelines.

If you’re looking for some ways to make sure you’re following safe infant sleep practices, check out our top 10 tips.