Tulsa, Oklahoma – [January 10, 2023] – In light of the recently re-announced sleeper product recall, the Tulsa Health Department is encouraging parents and caregivers to review infant sleep environments to ensure the safety of infants in Tulsa County.
“It is important that all those responsible for caring for young children are aware that all models of Rock ‘n’ Play sleepers are being recalled,” said Community Systems Development Specialist Ashley Cabrera. “Unfortunately, about 100 deaths have been reported while infants are using these products. I urge my friends to stop using these sleepers to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy. , family and neighbors.”
The Tulsa Health Department’s maternal and child outreach program focuses on educating clients about SIDS awareness during one-on-one meetings and emphasizes that safe sleep is an important part of maintaining infant health. I’m here.
“We know getting your baby to sleep is one of the most difficult challenges new parents face. We want your baby to sleep as safely as possible,” said Community System Development. Specialist Ashley Cabrera said. “We are here to support these parents through coaching and education on prevention strategies. We also have Spanish-speaking services available.”
Families and caregivers can help babies reduce their risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths by:
- Lay your baby on his back during naps and all night sleep hours.
- Use a firm, flat sleeping surface, such as a crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet.
- Let the baby share your room, but not your bed. Babies should sleep only on adult beds, cots, air mattresses, sofas, or chairs, and not with anyone else.
- Do not place soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads or soft toys in your baby’s sleeping area.
- Keep your baby’s head covered and not too hot. Be aware of the signs your baby may be overheating, such as if he is sweating or his chest feels hot.
- Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby.
Additionally, Congress this year passed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, which bans the sale of crib bumpers and incline sleepers.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received reports of 1,108 incidents, including 73 infant deaths related to infant tilt sleep products, that occurred between January 2005 and June 2019.
- The law was passed on May 16, 2022, and has already been removed from most stores, but from November 12, 2022, it will be officially considered a prohibited dangerous goods, and sleepers and baby cots will not be allowed in stores. Stores are out of compliance if their bumpers are tilted. shelf.
“For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that babies sleep on their backs in an empty crib without bumpers, soft bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals,” added Cabrera. “This law will ensure that the final purchasable products comply with current safety guidelines.”
Although the law prohibits the manufacture and sale of new items, second-hand or hand-me-downs may still be in circulation.
“If you have purchased or received one of these older products, please check for recalls at cpsc.gov/recalls,” warns Cabrera. “Make sure yourself that the slant sleepers you have don’t exceed 10 degrees he, and dump the crib her bumper all together.”
Infant caregivers and services/medical providers can help raise awareness about how to promote safe infant sleep and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of infants under the age of one year, whose cause is unknown even after thorough investigation. This investigation includes performing a complete autopsy, examining the death scene, and reviewing the medical history. If they can’t find a cause of death and the baby was less than a year old, the coroner or coroner will call the death SIDS.
Since the launch of the annual October SIDS awareness campaign in 1994, SIDS rates in the United States have decreased by almost 50%, both overall and within various racial/ethnic groups. However, SIDS remains the leading cause of death among infants aged 1 month to her 1 year in the United States. Some populations are at high risk for SIDS. THD’s outreach program continues to encourage collaboration in educating families and caregivers.
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