Retail giants Amazon and Walmart have stopped selling weighted infant sleep products due to safety concerns. These products, which include weighted sleep sacks and swaddles, claim to help infants sleep more soundly. Still, experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and government agencies warn against their use.
The products have been linked to reduced oxygen saturation levels in infants, which can harm their developing brains. The AAP states that there is no evidence that these products are effective, and they may even contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by preventing infants from moving freely during sleep.
Major Retailers Announce They’ll Stop Selling These Popular Baby Products (Credits: USA Today)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported multiple infant deaths associated with these products. Amazon pulled the products from their platform on April 9, 2024, citing a commitment to ensuring the safety of products sold in their store. Walmart has also stopped carrying weighted infant sleepwear items.
Some manufacturers, such as Dreamland Baby and Nested Bean, maintain that their products are safe and have been sold for over 10 years without any hazard pattern. However, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has called for a federal investigation into these companies, accusing them of deceptive advertising practices.
Pediatricians warn against use of weighted sleep products for babies (Credits: CBS 6 Albany)
Experts recommend that parents immediately stop using weighted sleep sacks and swap them out for safe alternatives. The CPSC and AAP urge parents to prioritize their infant’s safety and avoid using products that may pose a risk to their health and well-being.
