Fisher-Price Recalls Rock ‘n Play Sleepers After Over 30 Infant Deaths Were Reported

It would be hugely upsetting to put your infant to sleep only to realise a few hours later that it was a permanent move.

This is why Fisher-Price voluntary recalled nearly 5 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after the deaths of 32 infants over 10 years.

Wait-what?!

Okay, first things first.

What is a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper?

Released in 2009, the sleeper has a motor that rocks babies for 30 or 60-minute intervals, with or without music (all depends on the settings).

It is slightly inclined to help the infants with reflux, has a supportive plastic insert within the fabric covers for the baby’s back and a deep seat to secure newborns.

The gentle rocking helps to calm infants so they can get to sleep, and it seems that many parents did find this product useful when caring for their young children.

In other words, this product worked just fine.

So What Went Wrong?

Apparently, the Rock ‘n Play Sleepers were not fit for all infants.

Recently, as reported by Channel NewsAsia, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recognised that “Since the 2009 product introduction, over 30 infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances,”.

Initially, the CPSC had recommended “consumers stop the use of the product by three months of age, or as soon as an infant exhibits rollover capabilities”, following previous warnings to always use the product restraints.

Safety Alert: If your child is 3 months or older, or if your child can roll, stop using your Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play. 10 deaths since 2015 occurred when infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side, while unrestrained. Learn more: https://t.co/Df5j3wzNkn pic.twitter.com/x0SeOJWfMc

— US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) April 5, 2019

But after the infant deaths were tallied by the consumer watchdog group, Consumer Reports, Fisher-Price volunteered the recall.

Guidelines

So basically, there were certain guidelines released with the product but they went unheeded.

So Fisher-Price believes that the unfortunate incidents were caused by medical conditions or improper use, rather than a fault in the product itself.

Although product instructions were meant to be respected, parents were understandably concerned that too big a stake rested on whether parents had adequately waded through safety recommendations as well as product reviews when picking baby gear.

Fisher Price-owner Mattel Inc said: “We stand by the safety of our products. However, due to reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to the safety warnings and instructions, we have decided to conduct a voluntary recall of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”

The CPSC also said that “Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher.”

Alternatives

With the recall, many families may need another product to help put their little ones to bed at night. This website has got you covered.

With that said, keep your child safe. The country needs every baby it can get.