Fisher-Price recalls 4.7 million sleepers linked to infant death

Just days after issuing a safety warning, Fisher-Price has ordered a recall of its Rock ‘N Play infant sleeper, which has been linked to more than 30 infant fatalities.
An alert published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is calling for all owners of the sleeper to cease use, and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher.
Earlier this month the company released a joint statement with the CPSC on the potential dangers of the Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play. At the time, a press release stated that at least 10 infant deaths have occurred since 2015 after infants rolled onto their stomachs while unrestrained.
The CPSC noted that in each death, the infants were three months or older. Both the CPSC and Fisher-Price are encouraging consumers to cease using the product when their children become three-months-old, or as soon as they begin rolling over on their own.
However, in an April 12 statement by CPSC acting chair Anne Marie Buerkle, the number of infant deaths attributed to the sleeper had tripled.

“Since 2009, there have been more than 30 infant deaths involving the Rock ‘N Play after infants rolled over while unrestrained or under other circumstances,” Buerkle said. “I am urging parents to stop using this product immediately... I want to be clear, this issue has been a top priority for the agency. CPSC has been investigating incidents and analyzing data regarding how they relate to this product.”
Last year, the CPSC published a separate warning, reminding consumers to always use the provided restraints when using inclined infant sleep products.
The push for a recall gained momentum after a Consumer Reports (CR) investigation reported at least 32 infant deaths have been associated with the product.

Fisher-Price General Manager Chuck Scothon released a separate statement in light of the recall.
“A child fatality is an unimaginable tragedy.For almost 90 years, Fisher-Price has made the safety of children our highest priority,” Scothon began. “In recent days, questions have been raised about the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper. We stand by the safety of our products. However, due to reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to the safety warnings and instructions, we have decided to conduct a voluntary recall of the Rock 'n Play Sleeper in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
Scothon concluded by reaffirming the company’s commitment to safety saying, “Fisher-Price has a long, proud tradition of prioritizing safety as our mission. We at Fisher-Price want parents around the world to know that we have every intention of continuing that tradition.”
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Check out Yahoo Canada’s podcast, Make It Reign — our hot takes on all things royals in a non-stuffy way — on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.