As an expecting parent of a baby girl arriving any day, hearing about a recall on any item that could but your bundle of joy’s life at risk is a scary feeling.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is demanding an immediate recall of Fisher Price’s Rock ‘n Play sleeper, linking it 32 infant deaths.
“This product is deadly and should be recalled immediately,” said Dr. Kyle Yasuda, president of the AAP. “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.”
Fisher-Price and the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned customers Friday to stop using the Rock ‘n Play sleeper once their children could roll over, typically around age 3 months.
The warning cited reports of 10 infant deaths – all 3 months or older – since 2015. However, the AAP cites a Consumer Reports analysis published April 8 that links the sleeper to at least 32 infant deaths from 2011 to 2018. Some of those infants were younger than 3 months.
Fisher-Price told Consumer Reports that the company believes none of the deaths have been caused by the product itself but instead by incorrect usage of the product and/or the children’s previous medical conditions.
Chuck Scothon, general manager at Fisher-Price, says the company stands by the safety of the sleeper and that it meets all “applicable safety standards.”
“Safety of children is our highest priority. The loss of a child is tragic and heart-breaking,” said Scothon in a statement.
The company urges parents to make sure they follow all product warnings and instructions, saying it’s important to use the product’s three-point harness restraint. It also says no blankets or pillows should be used in the Rock ‘n Play.
Source: CNN.com
