FDA warns against using neck floats after death of baby, hospitalization of another

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a warning to parents, caregivers and health care workers to not use baby neck floats because the child may die or be injured.

The FDA specifically said the neck floats should not be used “with babies for water therapy interventions, especially with babies who have developmental delays or special needs, such as spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy. The use of these products can lead to death or serious injury.”

The FDA said that although issues are rare, they do happen. The agency said it is aware of one infant that died and another who was hospitalized after being in a neck float. In both cases, the FDA said, the babies were not directly monitored.

Neck floats are inflatable plastic rings that can be worn around a baby’s neck and allow babies to float freely in water.

The FDA said some “are marketed for babies as young as two weeks old or premature babies and are designed to cradle a baby’s head while their body moves freely in the water.

Parents and caregivers have used these products during a baby’s bath, while their baby is swimming, and as a physical therapy tool (water therapy intervention) for babies with developmental delays or disabilities.

The FDA is aware that some manufacturers are claiming these products support water therapy interventions in babies with developmental delays or special needs and that the benefits of these products include increased muscle tone, greater flexibility and range of motion, increased lung capacity, better sleep quality, and increased brain and nervous system stimulation.”

But, the FDA said, the effectiveness of the devices when used to increase motor development or as physical therapy, “have not been established.”

The FDA said some companies are marketing the neck floats “as a water therapy tool without FDA clearance or approval.”

When using a neck float, a baby can drown, suffocate or strain or injure its neck.

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