Toymaker Fisher-Price has recalled almost five million baby sleepers after reports linked the product to more than 30 infant deaths over a ten year period.
Toymaker Fisher-Price has recalled almost five million baby sleepers after reports linked the product to more than 30 infant deaths over a ten year period.
The recall of an estimated 4.7 million sleepers was announced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Friday afternoon.
The CPSC is asking anyone with a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper to stop using it with immediate effect and to contact the toy company for a full refund.
Putting safety first, in partnership with the CPSC, Fisher-Price issued a voluntary recall of our Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. All product use should be discontinued. Learn more at https://t.co/7D8jTEmLxs pic.twitter.com/EqkWW4QXjl— Fisher-Price® (@FisherPrice) April 12, 2019
The exact cause of the 32 infant deaths is unknown, however, it is believed to have occurred when they rolled from their backs to their side or stomach while unrestrained in the vibrating sleepers.
The padded sleep aid was sold in most major US retailers for $40 to $149 over the past decade.
In a statement, Fisher-Price said they stood by the safety of their products but decided to voluntarily recall the sleeper due to misuse of safety warnings and instructions.
Chuck Scothon, general manager at Fisher-Price said: "For almost 90 years, Fisher-Price has made the safety of children and the quality of our products our highest priority. It’s a commitment without compromise."
"In recent days, however, questions have been raised about the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper – that’s why today, we are announcing a voluntary recall of all units of the product."
"While we continue to stand by the safety of all of our products, given the reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to safety warnings and instructions, we’ve decided in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), that this voluntary recall is the best course of action."
"Consumers should stop using the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper and can contact Fisher-Price immediately for a refund or voucher."
"With these actions, we want parents around the world to know that safety will always be a cornerstone of our mission, that we are committed to these values, and will continue to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of the infants and preschoolers who utilize our products."
The product is not believed to have been sold in Ireland or the UK.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of 4 kids aged 2, 3, 5 and 9 (and she is expecting baby #5 in May). Described as a self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie would never turn down a coffee, loves to travel and shares her every day true to life moments on Instagram.