Feds propose new safety standards for infant sleep products

Baby hammocks are coming under scrutiny from federal regulators after two newborns died in their sleep.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed new safety standards Thursday for a wide range of products where newborns sleep in an inclined position, including hammocks.

“Some, like hammocks, are suspended in air, while other seat-like products are meant to be placed on a level floor,” the CPSC described in the Federal Register.

The CPSC said nine of these baby sleeping products have been recalled since the turn of the century, including six hammocks.

The moves comes after 14 babies died while sleeping in one of these products since 2005, including two newborns who were sleeping in hammocks, the agency said.

Another 301 were injured, with more than half of the injuries resulting in flat head syndrome or twisted neck syndrome, the agency said.

The CPSC identified several “hazard patterns” linked to these baby sleeping products, including failed restraints that allowed babies to roll over and suffocate, as well as the growth of mold in these devices.

To address the problem, the CPSC is proposing stronger safety requirements for these baby sleeping products.

The public has 75 days to comment.