Companies are reminding consumers not to use two recalled models of baby rocker sleepers, after more infants have died since the recalls were issued in 2019. Both announcements also include a warning that it is illegal to sell or distribute the recalled sleepers, many of which may still be in circulation.
Fisher-Price announced the recall of 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after at least eight additional deaths were reported, bringing the total to approximately 100 infants who have died while using the product. Kids2 announced the recall of nearly 700,000 Rocking Sleepers after at least four more babies died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 15.
Dangerous Infant Sleep Products
Baby rockers and other inclined sleepers have been linked to a risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The inclined surface can make it easier for babies to roll over on their stomachs or slump forward, restricting the flow of oxygen. In some cases, infants may suffocate when their faces press against soft fabric or padded surfaces.
In fact, certain inclined baby sleepers are so dangerous that they were recently outlawed altogether. In 2022, President Biden signed federal legislation banning the manufacture and sale of sleepers designed for children up to age one if they have a sleep surface greater than 10 degrees. The Safe Sleep for Babies Act also prohibited certain padded sleep products and accessories, such as crib bumpers and vertical slat covers.
Baby Sleeper Recalls
While the new law can save lives going forward, it may do little to console the parents of children who have died while using a dangerous sleep product. In just the past five years, the following companies have recalled infant rockers, sleepers, and loungers after reports of fatalities:
- The Boppy Company (2021): Around 3.3 million Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers were recalled after eight infants died.
- Fisher-Price (2021): Approximately 120,000 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were recalled after four infant deaths. Around 55,000 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were also recalled.
- Fisher-Price (2019): All models of Rock ‘n Play Sleepers (around 4.7 million units) were recalled after over 30 infant fatalities occurred. A reminder recall was issued in 2023, after additional deaths brought the total to approximately 100.
- Kids2 (2019): All models of Kids2 Rocking Sleepers (around 694,000 units) were recalled after five deaths occurred. The recall was announced again in 2023, after more fatalities brought the total to 15 infants who have died in the rocker sleepers.
In addition, several companies selling similar products decided to issue recalls of sleepers without any reported injuries. Dorel Juvenile Group, Graco, Summer Infant, Delta, and Evenflo all announced recalls of inclined sleeping products and accessories that might increase the risk of infant suffocation.
Baby Product Recall Lawyers
If your child died or was injured while using an inclined infant sleeper or other dangerous baby product, a products liability attorney can help you seek justice. At Altman & Altman LLP, we have been helping families hurt by defective baby products for over 50 years. Contact us today for a free consultation with a compassionate, experienced Boston baby product lawyer.