After CR tied product to 32 infant deaths, group urges stronger oversight to ensure safe sleep
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that Fisher-Price will recall all 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers on the market or in people’s homes. On April 8 Consumer Reports published the results of an investigation into the safety of the Rock ‘n Play, finding that the sleeper was tied to at least 32 infant deaths. CR called for an immediate recall of the product, and said that previous CPSC and Fisher-Price warnings had not done nearly enough to minimize the risk of suffocation by infants.
Marta Tellado, President and CEO of Consumer Reports, said, “The Fisher-Price recall of the Rock n’ Play is long overdue. Fisher-Price and the CPSC knew about deaths linked to this product for years and could have taken steps to avoid this unnecessary tragedy. It took dogged investigation and the voices of doctors, victims’ families, and advocates across the country to make this recall a reality. Congress needs to take a hard look at the CPSC and make sure it is a watchdog that consumers can rely on.”
William Wallace, Senior Policy Analyst for Consumer Reports, said, “If you have the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, we urge you to immediately stop using the product. American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep recommendations say that babies should be placed alone to bed on a firm, flat surface in their own space, with no extra bedding, and this product always conflicted with that advice.
“While we are glad to see all Rock ‘n Play Sleepers recalled, Fisher-Price and its parent company Mattel misled parents and caregivers by marketing this product as safe for sleep, and they owe it to their customers to give them full refunds, rather than partial refunds or company vouchers. And that should be the case regardless of how long ago the product was bought.
“CR also has found that two inclined sleepers by the company Kids II are linked to infant deaths and conflict with expert medical advice. Kids II should immediately recall these products, and the CPSC should investigate all other inclined sleepers for potential hazards. If any infant sleep product doesn’t align with safe sleep recommendations, the CPSC should be able to get it off the market right away, so that parents and caregivers don’t unwittingly put their babies at risk.”
Contact: David Butler, dbutler@consumer.org, 202-462-6262
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.