Parents have been urged to stop using the sleeper immediately after a safety commission said at least 30 infants had died in the model since its 2009 release. The recall announced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) said: “Since the 2009 product introduction, over 30 infant fatalities have occurred in Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.”
Toymaker Fisher-Price’s owner Mattel confirmed the voluntary recall but stood by the product’s safety standards.
Fisher-Price said: “While we continue to stand by the safety of all of our products, given the reported incidents in which the product was used contrary to safety warnings and instructions, we’ve decided in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), that this voluntary recall is the best course of action.”
The recall affects about 4.7million products, according to the CPSC.
The CSPC had warned parents not to choose the sleepers for children older than three months who were likely to roll over.
Parents have bene urged to contact Fisher-Price for a refund.
Chuck Scothon, general manager at Fisher-Price, admitted the recall was the “best course of action”.
He told CNN: “With these actions, we want parents around the world to know that safety will always be a cornerstone of our mission, that we are committed to these values, and will continue to prioritise the health, safety and well-being of the infants and preschoolers who utilise our products.”