ASTM Inclined Sleeper Panel Mulls Side-Height Topics

Fabric breathability and refinement of a side-to-side movement test might be the focus of an ASTM F15.18 working group on side-height containment for inclined sleeps. Discussion of the fabric question September 19 focused on areas near infant's heads, but other parts of the occupant area are likely to get attention too. Meanwhile the test refinement question involves concerns about repeatability of the current version.

However, the bulk of the teleconference was taken up with concern about competing hazards in which addressing one increases another. This mainly involved restraining infant's movements. The products typically have restraints because the infants are on an incline. However, health professionals warn against restrained sleep for babies.

Representatives from Health Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics too the lead in raising such questions. They emphasized that other products with restraints – car seats, swings, etc. – are not meant for sleep and usually involve adult supervision or at least proximity.