Fisher-Price recalls Rock ‘n Play amid pressure from AAP

Under pressure from the Academy, Fisher-Price has recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play infant sleepers following reports of infant deaths.

“I am thrilled that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price took the advice of the American Academy of Pediatrics and issued a recall of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper,” said Ben Hoffman, M.D., FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. “This product is dangerous and I urge parents and caregivers to stop using it right away.”

The recall comes on the heels of an investigation by Consumer Reports that found 32 infants had died while using the sleeper since 2011. Some of the infants rolled over while unrestrained and some were unable to breathe due to their position.

Citing that report, the AAP called for the CPSC to pull the product from shelves and urged parents to stop using it.

“When parents purchase a product for their baby or child, many assume that if it’s being sold in a store, it must be safe to use. Tragically, that is not the case,” AAP President Kyle E. Yasuda, M.D., FAAP, said in an April 9 news release. “There is convincing evidence that the Rock ‘n Play inclined sleeper puts infants’ lives at risk, and CPSC must step up and take immediate action to remove it from stores and prevent further tragedies.”

In announcing the recall just days later, the CPSC said it also is investigating similar products and encouraged consumers to report incidents to SaferProducts.gov.

To request a refund for the Rock ‘n Play, visit http://bit.ly/RockNPlayRecall or call the company at 866-812-6518. Those who have owned the Rock ‘n Play for 6 months or less will receive a cash refund while those who have owned them longer will receive a voucher for a new Fisher-Price product.

The AAP does not recommend letting infants sleep in inclined products like the Rock ’n Play that require restraining a baby. AAP policy calls for infants to sleep on their back, on a separate, flat and firm sleep surface without any bumpers, bedding or stuffed toys.

“As a pediatrician and a father, I know that infant sleep is a major concern for families, and pediatricians are ready to work with as many parents as possible to find solutions to help everyone sleep safely and soundly,” Dr. Hoffman said. “We know that inclined sleepers like the Rock ‘n Play are not safe and put babies’ lives at risk. I am glad to see this product off the market and urge all parents to talk to their pediatricians about how to keep their babies safe during sleep time and any time.”