All Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Models Are Being Recalled After Infant Deaths
All 4.7 million models of the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play have been officially recalled
Following a warning about the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is officially recalling all models of the Rock ‘N Play sleeper after it was linked to over 30 infant deaths.
A Consumer Report analysis was published a few days after the initial CPSC warning, which found, contrary to the initial warning, many children who had died while using the sleeper were actually younger than three months old. The cause of death for some of the infants was asphyxia, meaning the babies were unable to breathe due to the child’s position. When babies reach three months old, many are able to roll over enough to render the Rock ‘N Play dangerous and potentially fatal.
Earlier this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called on the CPSC to recall the products. “This product is deadly and should be recalled immediately,” said Kyle Yasuda, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“When parents purchase a product for their baby or child, many assume that if it’s being sold in a store, it must be safe to use. Tragically, that is not the case. There is convincing evidence that the Rock ‘N Play inclined sleeper puts infants’ lives at risk, and CPSC must step up and take immediate action to remove it from stores and prevent further tragedies.”
Fisher-Price is offering a full refund to parents who have owned the product for six months or less. Parents who have older Rock ‘N Plays at home can be reimbursed on a sliding scale — the longer you’ve owned it, the less money you’ll receive.
Surprisingly, many parents seem to be on the fence about the recall. The Rock ‘N Play sleeper has been an incredibly popular sleeping device for parents and new babies for years — with many sharing that their babies wouldn’t sleep in anything else.
In their statement, the AAP said it does not recommend babies sleep in any products that require restraining a baby, or products that are inclined.
It’s also important to remember that after the initial warning about the product was issued, the Consumer Report analysis found that many of the infant deaths occurred in babies who were younger than three months of age — meaning even babies who didn’t have the capability to roll over still died from asphyxia. The infant deaths now trace back to 2011, four years earlier than first reported.
“The AAP advises against using car seats, strollers or other devices for sleep,” the group says, “because of the risk that a baby could roll or turn into an unsafe position and be incapable of moving, leading to suffocation or strangulation.”
To find out if you’re eligible for a refund or voucher, head over to the Mattel website.
