Parents, Doctors Want All Inclined Sleeper Products Pulled

Following the recall of the Fisher Price Rock n’ Play, many parents are wondering if their inclined sleeper products are safe.

After reports of infant deaths resulting from babies in inclined sleepers rolling from their backs to their stomachs while unrestrained, or under other circumstances since 2012,  the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) plans to “reevaluate” the safety of these products, according to Consumer Reports.

In April, 4.7 million Fisher Price Rock n’ Play Sleepers were recalled due to at least 32 infant deaths. The same month, Kids II voluntarily recalled some 700,000 of its inclined sleepers, which have been linked with five infant deaths.

Despite the recalls, other inclined sleepers remain on the market. Parents and doctors have called for a massive category recall, but the CPSC says several steps need to be taken for such a dramatic regulatory change to be approved.

Standards for these products are set by ASTM International, an organization that works with manufacturers, government regulators, academia, medical professionals, consumers, and others establish voluntary industry standards. In order for inclined sleepers to be recalled, an ASTM subcommittee would need to meet to approve the step. After this, the decision would need to be approved by larger committees with overarching jurisdictions.

As of May 8, 2019, an ASTM International had rejected requests from “consumer advocates, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and parents to withdraw the category from the market” and instead, investigate the category further, Consumer Reports reported. The committee will reconvene in October 2019.

In the meantime, unless the CPSC intervenes, manufacturers can continue to sell infant inclined sleepers.

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a mysterious condition believed to be caused by suffocation, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following infant sleep safety guidelines:

• All infants should sleep on their backs until they turn 1. A side or stomach- sleeping position reportedly increases the risk of SIDS-related death.
• A firm sleeping surface should be used. This surface should be clear of blankets, pillows, and other extraneous bedding which may pose a suffocation hazard.
• Share a room with a sleeping baby for the first six months to year. This reportedly decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.
• Never place a baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair as this can be extremely dangerous.
• Do not bedshare with a baby as this can be dangerous.

Parents and doctors argue that inclined sleeper products do not comply with these guidelines. The recall of the Fisher Price Rock n’ Play Sleeper prompted outrage, including a stern statement by Kyle Yasuda, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“This product is deadly and should be recalled immediately,” Yasuda said. “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.”

At least one class action lawsuit has already been filed over the FIsher-Price inclined sleeper.

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.

Learn More