By Rachel Rickman

WKTV Contributing Writer

Parents and caregivers spend a great deal of time and money ensuring their baby’s safety and comfort. However, an adult’s concept of “comfort” can unintentionally become deadly to a baby.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), 160 babies die every year because of unsafe sleep practices and products.

Many of these deaths are preventable, and the CPSC is combating the issue from multiple fronts.

Nychelle Fleming, CPSC Communications Specialist, and Pam Rucker Springs, CPSC Office of Communication Director, are at the forefront of public education regarding the issue of safe sleep practices for babies.

Getting back to the basics

The purpose of the CPSC is to create transparency and accountability for consumers when it comes to the products they buy and use.

“There are so many products out there with fancy names, but we need to get back to the basics,” said Fleming. “Products that are intended for sleep according to federal regulations.”

The CPSC oversees 15,000 categories of products, working with manufacturers and retailers to let consumers know when there is a problem with a product.

“Almost everything in your home that you don’t eat or drink we have regulations to manage,” Rucker Springs said. “We’re the people that will let you know: ‘Hey, there’s a problem with this product and you need to contact the manufacturer.’”

Concerning data: baby sleep environments

Recent CPSC data shows that 100 of the 160 annual nursery product-related deaths were associated with the presence of extra bedding being added to bassinets or play yards.

“It’s important to start with a product that’s intended for sleep,” said Fleming. “Your crib, your bassinet, your play yard, with just the fitted sheet, and only placing the baby on their back in accordance with the American Pediatrics recommendation.”

When it comes to a baby’s “comfort,” it is important to be aware that safety comes first.

“We want our babies to be comfortable like we’re comfortable, with lots of fluffy pillows and warm comforters, but that can be the worst thing you can do for baby,” said Rucker Springs.

Fleming added, “What can be appropriate for an adult can actually be deadly for babies who don’t developmentally have the ability to lift their head and nose away from soft bedding that can conform to their nose and mouth – or even incline products which cause them to go chin to chest. Again, that flat surface is the best for baby to sleep.”

Incline products produce risks because a baby can tilt chin to chest, causing a lack of airflow and suffocation.

“Even if your baby falls asleep in another product like a baby swing or car seat carrier, we tell you to transfer the baby as soon as possible to that crib, bassinet, or play yard: a firm flat surface,” Fleming said.

Ethnicity and infant deaths

Recent statistics regarding infant deaths due to unsafe sleep products and practices show Black families experiencing a higher number of deaths than other ethnicities. Rucker Springs connects those statistics to upbringing and cultural practices within communities.

“It has to do with the practices we all grew up with,” Rucker Springs said. “There are things we grow up with that are inherently unsafe for babies. But that’s what we’re (the CPSC) here to do: educate people as to why it may not be the best thing for your baby.”

Fleming added, “We’re trying to raise awareness where we’re seeing communities who are disproportionately affected. 160 deaths annually, and about 29% were African American children. We want to make sure everyone knows how to create a safe space for baby.”

When asked about information access within Black communities, Fleming said, “The commission has worked with the American Pediatric association for years, and the ‘Back to Sleep Campaign’ has been in effect for over 30 years, but we’ve found that African American families are still not necessarily getting that message—even the simple message of placing your baby on their back to sleep.”

“What our organization is trying to do is educate people at the community level and through trusted voices,” Rucker Springs said.

Information overload: How to keep up

When it comes to learning more about the commission and staying up to date on the latest safety recommendations and recalls, consumers can go to CPSC and CPSC Safe Sleep.

However, with an average of 300 recalls per year, Fleming says it is hard for consumers to keep up.

“We want consumers to sign up directly for recalls so they can learn about recalls directly through email notification,” said Fleming.

Go to CPSC Recalls and Safer Products to sign up for recall notices or report a problem with a consumer product.

Robust social media sites and outreach to other organizations are also a priority for the CPSC.

“Download the app, and (follow) our social media,” said Fleming. “We heavily use our social media – Facebook, Twitter (now called X), and Instagram – to get you information.”

“We’re reaching out to other trusted (community) platforms and channels, like churches, where a lot of folks get their messages,” said Rucker Springs, adding that they also have a neighborhood safety network where various product information is sent out via posters.

“Posters that parents can download and share with their schools, community groups, churches, and other community centers,” said Rucker Springs.

The difference between life and death

As a parent, the safety and comfort of your baby are everything. Having the most up-to-date information on safe sleep routines and products can literally make the difference between life and death.

Detailed information on recommended safety practices and product recalls can be found at CPSC.

Rachel Rickman is a freelance writer, editor, and former university English Instructor with a BA, MA, and MFA focused on writing. She grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but currently resides in Rosarito, Mexico with her husband and son.

Much of her work focuses on “narrative recipes”—personal essays with recipe/cooking ideas.