Fisher-Price has recalled 5 million Rock ‘n Play infant sleepers after the deaths of more than 30 babies were linked to the product. The New York Times reported that in most cases, the babies suffocated after rolling over onto their stomach or side from their back.
Many of these deaths were reported as occurring while the baby was not properly restrained, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics holds that products with restraints shouldn’t be used for sleeping.
The AAP released a statement on Tuesday explaining how car seats, strollers, and other products can be dangerous when used as a sleeping spot for an infant. The AAP also said that leaving a baby to sleep in something that requires a restraint poses the hazard that the infant could roll into an unsafe position without the parent knowing. This could lead to suffocation or strangulation.
Kids In Danger has issued similar warnings for years. Kids in Danger is an organization working to protect kids through product safety regulation. The organization maintains that once infants roll over in these products, there is an increased risk of the baby getting trapped in a position in which they can’t escape.
The Times reported that Fisher-Price’s parent company Mattel has continued to stand by the product. In spite of its stance toward the product’s safety, Mattel agreed to a voluntary product recall encouraged by the Consumer Product Safety Commission “due to reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to the safety warnings and instructions.”
