Since the recall of these devices in the US and in some shops here in the UK I'm not sure how much longer this product will remain on sale but for what its worth I believe it is a good product if used correctly and safely.
We used the sleep positioner when our little one made the transition from our bed (she was demand fed so she slept pretty much on the breast) to her cot at around one and a half months old. The positioner holds the baby comfortably and securely in one place and I believe gave her the reassurance of feeling like she was being held, so when she woke up suddenly in the night she would drop off again very quickly. Without it she tended to reach out and try and touch something while half asleep and invariably woke herself up when she couldnt feel anything there. Plus she tends to throw herself around at night so the positioner helped keep her more snug and secure without limiting her ability to move her arms and stretch her legs.
Having looked at the some of the tragic events that have occurred with different products I believe if the device is used correctly and in accordance with current NHS guidelines for safe sleeping I personally find it difficult to believe this product could pose any threat.
1. Always put the child on their back in the positioner, never on their side or in a position where they could roll onto their front.
2. Always place the child so that their feet are at the end of the cot. This will stop them wriggling out of the positioner, or down the cot where they may end up with covers over their face or head.
3. Place the positioner around their waist, no higher. Even if they do wriggle a lot, if you follow step 2, the positioner shouldn't move up any higher than their midriff.
4. Use a grow bag. If you've got a wriggly baby, you know they are not going to kick their covers off or get into any difficulty with them. Essential if you plan to use a positioner.
- We also use an Angelcare baby sensor for extra reassurance - but common sense and safe practice is the best reassurance
To one of the previous commenters: SIDS and what has happened in these tragic cases are completely different. The issue is more akin to the baby 'hammock' style sling tragedies. These terrible incidents do not make all slings dangerous, but design flaws and methods of use are called firmly into question.
All baby products have the ability to become dangerous if not used correctly.
These are just MY personal opinions and in light of current events I would revise them if research proved me wrong.