A massive recall has been issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for Fisher-Price “Rock ‘n Play” sleepers as well as the Kids II brand equivalent following reports of infant deaths. According to the reports, more than 30 infants have died between 2011 and 2018 because of the dangerous sleepers. More than five million Fisher-Price sleepers were recalled just three days after a report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlighted the product’s dangers. The Kids II recall followed just two weeks after the Fisher-Price recall. Although the Kids II recall numbers were not as great as Fisher-Price – 700,000 compared to five million – the dangers are just as serious. One of the biggest problems with the sleepers is that a baby could roll or turn over onto their stomach or side while unrestrained, resulting in suffocation.
A representative for Fisher-Price released this statement in regards to the recall: “While we continue to stand by the safety of all of our products, given the reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to safety warnings and instructions, we’ve decided in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), that this voluntary recall is the best course of action.”
Kids II’s statement was released to Facebook and reads: “At Kids II, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of the families who love our brands and use our products. We are devastated by the loss of any child, and our hearts go out to the families affected. We are committed to proactively informing parents on safe sleep habits for all of our sleep products.”
The popular Fisher-Price product is an inclined, padded sleeper for infants. However, the AAP recently found that it does not meet the recommendations for a safe sleep environment for infants. Babies should always sleep on their backs, and this sleeper is unsafe because it may be promoting rolling or turning over. In the announcement made by the safety commission and Fisher-Price, consumers were told to stop using the product for any infants over the age of three months, or those who can roll over on their own.
The rocking baby sleeper, or baby rocker, is a product manufactured for brands such as Baby Einstein, Ingenuity, Bright Starts, and Disney Baby. These rocking sleepers have been sold online and at retail giants such as Walmart, Target, and Toys “R” Us since March 2012. The Kids II recall includes over 30 model variations which all have been listed in the recall.
In an article published earlier in April, the Fisher-Price sleeper was linked to 32 infant deaths and another four deaths have been linked to inclined sleepers manufactured by Kids II. While many purchase these types of sleepers, the fact that they have resulted in so many deaths is a cause for concern. The main problem with inclined infant sleepers is that the baby is able to turn over or even pull themselves upright. When this happens, they may suffocate or experience strangulation. The restraints of the sleeper can also stop the baby from returning to a safe position, leading to injury or death.
If your infant has been injured or suffocated after using the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper or Kids II rocking sleeper, contact AMA Law today. There are numerous lawsuits being filed across the country against both manufacturers because of the dangers they present to infants. Although the earliest complaint can be traced back to 2011, the product has still been available for purchase.
If you have lost your child due to asphyxia or because of any other condition caused by sleeping in a Fisher-Price or Kids II sleeper, contact AMA Law today. Our lawyers are here to help you receive compensation for your loss and any medical expenses or pain and suffering that have occurred as a result.