Parents who put their infants on air mattresses may be putting the children at risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The agency pointed out that using inflatable beds can be more common around the holidays as homes fill with visitors. But soft surfaces -- including water beds and adult beds -- are not appropriate for young children, the agency said.

Since 2002, CPSC has received reports of 16 deaths, mostly in infants younger than 8 months, who were placed to sleep on air mattresses. Eleven suffocated in a face-down position on an air mattress and five died due to suffocation after falling into gaps between a mattress and a bed frame or wall.

CPSC also reminded caregivers of its general tips for safe sleeping:

Always place a baby to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Never place baby to sleep on an adult bed because infants can suffocate on bedding or can become entrapped between the mattress and something else.

When using a crib, make sure it meets current safety standards, has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and tight-fitting bottom sheet.

When using a portable crib or play yard, be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.