New York, USA – Amazon, Walmart, and Target have taken a significant step by removing weighted infant sleepwear from their stores due to rising concerns about the safety of these products. This decision comes in response to repeated warnings from federal regulators, medical experts, and advocates for safe sleep regarding the potential risks associated with swaddles and sleep sacks that have added weight.
Dr. Ben Hoffman, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, commended this move but emphasized the need for more comprehensive measures to ensure infants’ safety. Meanwhile, Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut has called for an investigation into two prominent weighted infant sleepwear companies, Dreamland Baby and Nested Bean, over allegations of deceptive marketing practices related to product safety.
Despite the controversy surrounding weighted infant sleepwear, Tara Williams, the founder and CEO of Dreamland Baby, stands by the safety of her company’s products. She asserts that with over 1 million products sold, there is no evidence to suggest any hazards associated with their use. On the other hand, Manasi Gangan, founder and president of Nested Bean, insists that their products provide a safe and effective sleep solution for babies.
Critics argue that weighted infant sleepwear could pose risks to babies’ health, hindering their development and potentially impeding their ability to breathe properly. While some studies have shown mixed results regarding the safety of these products, organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against their use.
Richard Trumka, a commissioner with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has raised concerns about multiple infant deaths linked to weighted sleep products, prompting retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Babylist to stop selling these items. Nordstrom also reportedly discontinued sales of weighted infant sleepwear.
Senator Blumenthal’s push for a federal investigation into the safety claims made by weighted infant sleepwear companies reflects the growing unease surrounding these products. While the companies maintain that their products are safe, questions remain unanswered regarding their compliance with safety standards.
The debate over weighted infant sleepwear underscores the need for stringent safety testing and regulations in the infant product industry. As the discussion continues, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being and safety of infants while providing families with reliable products for a good night’s rest.