San Antonio – Fisher-Price said on Monday it repeated the recall of 4.7 million rock and play sleepers, revealing that at least eight babies have died since the first recall in 2019.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 100 infant deaths are currently linked to Rock’n’Play Inclined Sleep products.
Kids2 also re-announced that it has recalled all 694,000 Rocking Sleepers for 2019. This brings the total number of infant deaths associated with these products to 15.
“Today (the Consumer Product Safety Commission) is reannouncing two recalls of tilting baby sleepers that were issued nearly four years ago,” CSPSC Chairman Alexander Hornsalik said in a statement. “Despite being taken off the market and banned from sale, babies continue to die from these products.”
Rock’n’Play sleepers were popular for a decade and were sold at retailers like Walmart, Target and Amazon.
At the time of the initial recall, 30 deaths were reported. Since then, 70 more deaths have been reported, including eight that have occurred since the recall.
According to the CPSC, the danger is in the design.
Some infants have died after rolling from their backs to their stomachs and sides without being restrained in their bunks, officials said.
Also, the infant’s head may fall forward, narrowing the airway.
Regulators noted that Fisher-Price and Kids2 were unable to confirm the circumstances surrounding some of the reported deaths.
“I encourage all parents, grandparents and caregivers to follow the guidance in this announcement and discontinue use of these products immediately,” said Hoehn-Saric. “Unfortunately, today’s announcement highlights the fact that these products are still used in far too many homes and continue to put babies at risk.”
Last summer, the federal Safe Sleep for Babies Act was enacted, banning the sale of infant sloping sleepers and crib bumpers.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest way for an infant to sleep is to sleep alone on a hard, flat surface such as a crib, playyard, or bassinet, without soft bedding or toys.
Inclined rockers not marketed for sleeping are not prohibited, but child safety advocates warn parents not to put their infants to sleep. In case of a fall, the child should be moved to a flat surface as soon as possible.
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