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  5. Information for Manufacturers of Baby Products
  1. Baby Products with SIDS Prevention Claims

Information for Manufacturers of Baby Products

Some manufacturers may not be aware that marketing a baby product with claims to cure, treat, or prevent a disease or condition, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), makes their product a medical device. Medical devices are regulated by the FDA.

To date, the FDA has not cleared or approved any baby products to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS. The agency is not aware of any scientific studies supporting the safety and effectiveness of a baby product to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS.

To get FDA approval or clearance to market a medical device, the manufacturer must prove:

  • there is reasonable assurance of the device’s safety and effectiveness; or
  • the medical device is "substantially equivalent" to a device already legally marketed for the same use.

Recommendations for Manufacturers

The FDA recommends that you review your current labeling, packaging, and advertising for any direct or implied claims to cure, treat, or prevent a disease or condition, including SIDS.

If your labeling, packaging, or advertising (including print and online) contains claims to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS, you are in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

In order to comply with FDA regulations you must immediately:

  • stop marketing your products with these claims until you receive FDA clearance or approval; or
  • change your labeling, packaging, or advertising to remove all medical claims and ensure your products are not marketed as medical devices.

If you are a manufacturer and you are not sure if your baby product is a medical device, please check Device Advice: Device Regulation and Guidance.

If you have questions about what to do in order to seek FDA approval or clearance for your medical device, contact CDRH-Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) at 1-800-638-2041 or via email at DICE@fda.hhs.gov.

The agency continues to monitor claims made by manufactures to ensure manufacturers understand and comply with the FDA laws and regulations for medical devices.

Report a Problem

If you receive reports from consumers about an injury or malfunction when using your product, we encourage you to file a voluntary report by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.

Please include the following information in your reports:

  • Your Manufacturer Name
  • The Date your Device was Manufactured
  • Your Distributor’s Name
  • Details of Adverse Event and Medical and/or Surgical Interventions (if applicable)

Letter to Manufacturers

Letter to Manufacturers Concerning SIDS Prevention Medical Claims for Baby Products

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