Fisher Price Rock & # 39; N Play Sleepers Recalled After Infant Death Reports

All models of Fisher-Price's Rock Sleep Players are recalled after reports of infant deaths while using the product.

More than 30 infant deaths have been reported since the introduction of the product in 2009, "after infants have returned without restraint or under other circumstances," according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall comes three days after the American Academy of Pediatrics wrote a press release urging the commission to recall the products, highlighting their danger. Last week, the safety commission and Fisher-Price asked consumers to no longer use the bed when a baby reaches the age of three months "or if he is able to turn around".

Between 2011 and 2018, 32 babies died, "including babies even younger than the 3-month threshold mentioned in the initial warning, which is alarming," noted AAP in its release.

"This product is deadly and must be recalled immediately," said in a statement the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Kyle Yasuda. "When parents buy a product for their baby or child, many people think that if it is sold in a store, it must be used safely, but unfortunately it is not."

The AAP notification appears to have been triggered by a Consumer Reports survey, which the president said in a statement that the Rock & # 39; n Play booster was "long overdue".

"Fisher-Price and the CPSC have been aware of the deaths related to this product for years and could have taken steps to avoid this unnecessary tragedy," Consumer Reports president Marta Tellado said in a statement. "It took a fierce investigation and the voice of doctors, victims' families and advocates from across the country to make this reminder a reality."

"We are very pleased that this has happened," said Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, Chair of the AAP Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. The AAP rarely issues warnings about children's products or does not request a recall. But, said Hoffman, "we think it's a dangerous product."

In May 2018, the CPSC warned parents that they were "aware of the infant mortality associated with sloped sleep products", particularly of "cradle-like products with a sloped back to elevate the head and head." baby's torso ".

This warning, however, did not call Fisher Price.

Consumer advocates say the recall has too many restrictions and could cause confusion.

"It's problematic," said Rachel Weintraub, General Counsel at the Consumer Federation of America.

Weintraub and others point out Fisher-Price's offer to fully refund only people who own the product for six months or less. Older people with Rock & n Play are reimbursed on a sliding scale – less money if they have it for a long time.

"It will discourage participation," said Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger.

Rachel Moon, physician and chair of the AAP Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, added in a press release that "infants should always sleep on their backs, on a separate sleeping surface, flat and firm, without bumpers or bedding ".

"By placing safety at the forefront, in partnership with the CPSC, Fisher-Price has voluntarily recalled our Rock & # 39; n Play Sleepers," tweeted Fisher-Price. "Any use of the product must be discontinued."

Consumers can find out if they qualify for a refund or coupon at the following address: www.service.mattel.com.