Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Recall Issued

Fisher-Price recently recalled their Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after reports of over 30 infant deaths related to the children rolling over while unrestrained.

The Rock ‘n Play sleepers have reportedly been available since 2009. The reclining baby sleepers rock, vibrate, and play music in order to soothe children. Thousands of consumers have lauded the products as lifesavers for sleep-deprived adults, but the baby product may actually be a silent killer, according to reports.

Fisher-Price has recalled all of their Rock ‘n Play sleepers after they were linked to at least 32 infant deaths. The recall includes around 4.7 million products.

“Infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ’n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances,” said Fisher-Price in a joint warning with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher.”

Fisher-Price made several claims about their Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, including box statements that the product was “great for overnight sleep” and website representations that the product’s “inclined seat helps baby sleep all night long.”

However, the product may have been contradicted by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. These guidelines state that children should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surfaces which do not move. Parents are supposed to avoid including pillows and blankets in their sleeping spaces as well. Together, these guidelines aim to reduce the risk of suffocation. Although no one known the exact cause of SIDS, the guidelines have effectively decreased SIDS-related deaths since they were introduced in 1992.

The reclining position of the Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, as well as their pillow headrests and toys, may put infants at risk for suffocation especially when used for overnight sleeping. This may have contributed to the 32-plus infant deaths reportedly linked to the reclining sleepers.

For years, health professionals have argued that the Rock ‘n Play Sleepers are unsafe. In 2015, pediatrician wrote an open letter to Fisher-Price asking the company to re-market the product.

“As a pediatrician and parent consumer, I believe it is irresponsible to promote the Rock ’n Play Sleeper as a safe, overnight sleeping option for infants. By continuing to do so, you are putting babies at risk,” Burgert wrote. “I am asking you to consider re-marketing the Rock ’n Play Sleeper as a comfortable, portable infant seat; to be used for observed play, and as a temporary place for brief rest.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also warned against the use of sleep positioners due to the risk of suffocation.

“NEVER use infant sleep positioners. Using this type of product to hold an infant on his or her side or back is dangerous,” the FDA warns.

The agency notes that a bare crib is the “safest” option for sleeping infants. Additionally, the FDA stresses that they have never approved an infant sleep positioner that claims to reduce the risk of SIDS, although they have previously approved these products for infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or flat head syndrome.

Join a Fisher-Price Rock-n-Play Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased a Fisher-Price Rock-n-Play sleeper that was part of the recent recall, you may qualify to join this Fisher-Price class action lawsuit investigation.

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