After being linked to 32 sleep-related infant deaths Fisher-Price has issued an immediate recall of all of its Rock n’ Play sleepers. The recall came after a Consumer Reports magazine study linked the dangerous sleeper to infant deaths. Following that report a statement was also issued by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urging parents of children of all ages to stop using the popular baby sleeper and advising stores to remove the product from their shelves.
The recall covers about 4.7 million of the sleepers, which cost between $40 and $149. A warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises anyone who bought any models of the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleepers to stop using them right away and contact Fisher-Price for a refund.
Fisher-Price, in perhaps an effort to downplay the incriminatory product report and limit their liability, is unsurprisingly standing by their product and attempting to shift blame to consumers. According to Consumer Reports, Fisher-Price said the company does not believe that the Rock n’ Play sleepers have caused these deaths, as some of the children either had a previous medical condition or the product was not used properly.
But AAP president Dr. Kyle Yasuda strongly disagrees with Fisher-Price’s claims. According to Yasuda, “This product is deadly and should be recalled immediately. 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.”
Mattel, the parent company of Fisher-Price, has posted a recall advisory on their website stating that people who had owned the Rock ’n Play for less than six months would get a full refund. Those who had owned the sleeper for longer will get a voucher “commensurate with the amount of time” to be redeemed on a new Fisher-Price product.
At Saunders & Walker, we have a long history of protecting consumers from dangerous and deadly products. If you own a Rock n’ Play sleeper stop using it immediately, your child is at risk of injury or death. If your child, or the child of a loved one has been harmed by a Rock n’ Play sleeper, please contact Saunders & Walker immediately at 1-800-748-7115 to discuss your legal options.