Once again, Fisher-Price reminds consumers not to use their Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. The best-selling sleeper was recalled in April 2019 after being involved in the deaths of at least 100 infants. Despite warnings from the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC), Fisher-Price, and Atlanta-based company Kids2, usage of the product has continued to cause fatalities.
Timeline of the Recall
Before Fisher-Price introduced the sleeper to the market, they were aware of safety concerns but downplayed them to the CPSC in preparation for the release. The Rock ‘n Play Sleeper was released to consumers in 2009 by Fisher-Price and Kids2. Between both companies, at least 4.7 million sleepers were sold.
Before the official recall of the product, Fisher-Price was already aware of at least 14 infant fatalities associated with their product. In April 2019, after reports of at least 30 infant deaths, Fisher-Price and the CPSC issued a recall of all Rock ‘n Play Sleepers and advised consumers who had purchased them to contact the company for a refund or voucher.
The Dangers of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper
The deaths resulted from rollover issues associated with the sleeper, which occurred when babies shifted in their sleep and ended up on their stomachs or sides. This led to accidental suffocation, as the infants could not roll over onto their backs.
Why Was the Recall Re-Announced?
A recall does not mean that the product is automatically out of use. Rather, the message about the dangers of the product is sent out to consumers nationwide—from there, consumers must act themselves. However, recalls can be easy to miss.
After at least 12 more incidents, the companies decided to reissue the sleeper recall. There were 12 deaths combined for both products sold by Fisher-Price and Kids2: eight related to Fisher-Price and four to Kids2. To help prevent future incidents, President Biden signed a law in May 2022 that banned these types of inclined sleepers. Included in the law is a requirement from the CPSC for all new infant sleepers to meet specific safety standards.
Contact an Attorney Today to Learn More about the Fisher-Price Recall
The loss of a child is one of the most traumatic things a parent can go through. If you or a loved one were impacted by a product that has since been recalled, reach out to an experienced attorney. The knowledgeable team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers has successfully fought product liability cases in the past and is here to guide you through this difficult time. Call us today to learn more about the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play recall and discuss your case.
