2 Companies Re-Announce Recalls Of Infant Sleepers Following More Deaths

Two companies are re-announcing their recalls of certain infant sleepers after more fatalities were reported since the original issuances. About a hundred infant deaths have been reported in connection with the use of the affected products.

The companies announcing their recalls again on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website are Fisher-Price and Kids2. The problem with the recalled products — all models of Fisher-Price's Rick 'n Play Sleepers and all models of Kids II Rocking Sleepers — is that fatalities may occur after infants roll "from their back to their stomach or side while unrestrained, or under other circumstances" on the units.

Both companies issued their original recalls in April 2019. At the time, Fisher-Price had logged more than 30 infant fatalities since the product was introduced in 2009, while Kids2 had reported five infant deaths since the product was introduced in 2012.

In Fisher-Price's re-announcement of the recall, the company noted that about 70 more fatalities were reported after the initial issuance, at least eight of which reportedly happened after the initial recall was announced.

"Approximately 100 deaths have reportedly occurred while infants were in the products," according to the announcement.

In Kids2's case, it logged a total of 15 infant fatalities, four of which reportedly happened after the announcement of the original recall.

Both companies noted that "in some of the reports," they were "unable to confirm the circumstances of the incidents."

"We are issuing this announcement because, despite their removal from the marketplace and a prohibition on their sale, babies continue to die in these products," CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric said in a statement about the recalls.

"I urge all parents, grandparents and caregivers to follow the guidance of this announcement and stop using these products immediately... Unfortunately, today's announcement highlights the fact that these products are still in too many homes, and babies continue to be put at risk," Hoehn-Saric added.

CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka expressed his disappointment in a separate statement, particularly concerning the Fisher-Price recall. In it, he described the initial Fisher-Price recall as "not good enough to remove these products from homes," citing the "too many" hurdles and "inadequate" incentives.

"Companies save money when people do not participate in their recalls," he said. "When that happens, dangerous products stay in homes. We have seen that lead to deaths."

"CPSC is finalizing a new safety rule that will ban inclined sleepers for infants. It is the agency's job to determine whether that includes products like Fisher-Price's Infant-to-Toddler Rocker," he added.

The Infant-to-Toddler Rocker is a separate product, and Trumka noted that 13 infant deaths have also been associated with it.

In total, some 4.7 million Rock 'n Play Sleeper units are affected by the Fisher-Price recall. These were sold at various stores "nationwide" including Target and Walmart as well as online via Amazon.

The Kids2 recall, on the other hand, affects some 694,000 Rocking Sleepers. These were also sold through major retailers across the country such as Walmart, Toys "R" Us and Target as well as online. Customers may find more information on the recalled Sleepers, including sample photos of the affected products, on the company website.

Both companies are urging consumers to stop using the units "immediately" and to contact them to get a refund or, in the case of Fisher-Price, "refund or voucher."

Those with questions may contact Fisher-Price at 866-812-6518 or Kids2 at 866-869-7954. Kids2 customers may also register their products for the recall here.

"If any caregiver has concerns about whether a product is safe for their baby, they can look for recalls at saferproducts.gov," said Hoehn-Saric. "And remember that the safest place for a baby to sleep is a firm, flat surface without any blankets or pillows."