What are sleep positioners for?

Question: What are sleep positioners for? I see them in all the baby stores.

Answer: Sleep positioners are wedge-shaped pieces of foam that are designed to help babies sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDS). Don't believe the store displays for these products! We advise against buying sleep positioners because pediatricians and child-safety organizations such as First Candle/SIDS Alliance caution against putting anything cushioned in a crib. Soft materials can suffocate small babies, who may press their nose up against them and possibly rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide. This may increase the risk of SIDS. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend these sorts of products because they haven't been tested sufficiently to show efficacy or safety. When it comes to cribs, at Consumer Reports, we believe that "bare is best." That means nothing in a crib — no sleep positioner, blanket, pillow, bumpers, or stuffed animals — no matter how cute. Just a tight fitting crib sheet. It's not cozy, but it's safe. To keep your baby warm, dress her in a sleep sack. For more on sleep sacks, see www.halosleep.com or www.kiddopotamus.com.