Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths in Inclined Sleepers Continued After 2019 Federal Recall of Products

A study, “Sudden Unexpected Infant Death in Inclined Sleepers: 2009–2023,” reviews the circumstances of 158 deaths that occurred in inclined sleepers, finding that 50 (32%) deaths happened after a federal recall of the products. The study, published in the March 2026 Pediatrics (published online Feb. 23), analyzed data from the Pediatric National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System on infant demographic, incident, and supervisor characteristics. SUID includes sudden, unexpected deaths of infants (<1 year old) and are often certified as sudden infant death syndrome, accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed, or other ill-defined causes. Researchers found that 67% of infants were younger than 4 months old at death. Most incidents took place at the infant’s home (86%) under the supervision of a parent (83%). Nearly 30% were reported as placed on their back to sleep (supine position) and subsequently were found unresponsive and no longer on their back. In 51 deaths (32%), the child death review team indicated the infant’s airway was obstructed when found: 55% by the inclined sleeper material and 35% by other soft bedding in the sleep environment (not mutually exclusive). Infant deaths occurred in inclined sleepers even after the Consumer Products Safety Commission issued manufacturer recalls in 2019. Products no longer available in stores may have been resold at garage sales or handed down to others, which suggests the need to raise more awareness and education following recalls. The authors suggest that health care providers, home visitors, health insurers, and family-serving organizations continue advising caregivers on the importance of a safe infant sleep environment, defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP recommends that caregivers place infants on their backs on a firm, flat, noninclined surface without any soft bedding. The authors also call for improving the dissemination of warnings about infant product recalls to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.