Fisher-Price announces recalls amid federal review of dangerous inclined sleepers
Four infant deaths prompted Fisher-Price to recall its 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother, the popular toy company announced June 3. The company also recalled its 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Glider, though no deaths are currently linked to that product Fisher-Price says.
The recall happened during a U.S. House review of how Fisher-Price handled its 2019 recall of its Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. That inclined sleeper was linked to more than 50 infant deaths during the 10 years the product was on the market, a report released this month by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform found.
“Prevailing medical science” has found that infants are safest when sleeping on their backs, on a flat, firm surface, the report states. Fisher-Price’s Rock in Play Sleeper, however, allowed infants to sleep dangerously on an angle.
Fisher-Price “ignored critical warnings” from parents, pediatricians and regulators that its Rock ‘n Play inclined sleeper was dangerous, the report states. The House committee added that Fisher-Price and manufacturers of similar inclined sleepers “operate with inadequate oversight,” which allowed the deadly product to stay on the market for years and contributed to the death toll.
Inclined products, including gliders, soothers, rockers, and swings, are dangerous for sleeping infants because they can cause the sleeping babies to suffocate, Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Robert Adler states in Fisher-Prices’ latest recall notice. Parents of the four babies who died using the 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother had placed their babies in the product unrestrained and on their backs. The babies were later found on their stomachs, the notice said. The infants ranged in age from four months to 11 weeks, and lived in Missouri, Nevada, Michigan and Colorado.
Roughly 120,000 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers were sold nationwide between January 2014 and December 2020, according to the recall notice. Recalled model numbers are located on the underside of the product’s base and are:
- CHP56
- CHP55
- CBT81
Roughly 55,000 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders were sold nationwide between November 2018 and May 2021. Recalled model numbers are:
- GDD28
- GDD39
- GDD41
- GGW85
- GNX43
- GVG43
- HBD26
- HBD27
- HBT17 (sold only in Canada)
Additionally, people who purchased the Gliders and Soothers may request a refund by visiting: https://service.mattel.com/us/recall.aspx.
Motley Rice has extensive experience representing the families of children injured or killed due to dangerous and defective products. For more information or to discuss a potential claim, contact Jodi Westbrook Flowers by email or call 1.800.768.4026.