New rules to improve safety of bedside sleepers

• Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Following the deaths of four infants, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is setting new rules for bedside sleepers. From January 2001 to May 2013, CPSC also received 27 reports of infants who were hurt by the sleepers.

The rules require the three-sided fabric sleepers to have the same safety features as bassinets. They correct problems with the fabric side of the sleeper that collapses and safety problems when the sleeper has missing parts or is put together the wrong way. The rules will take effect on July 15.

Bedside sleepers are not safe for infants over about 5 months of age or who can push up onto their hands and knees.