Gina Johnson
Fisher-Price's Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been linked to over 100 infant deaths, with the company recalling 4.7 million units in April 2019. The inclined sleeper was found to be unsafe, with infants rolling over and suffocating or becoming entrapped. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against inclined sleep products, recommending that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface. Despite the recall, some sleepers remain in use, and there have been additional deaths reported. Fisher-Price has been criticized for ignoring safety concerns and downplaying the risks associated with the product. With this backdrop, it is essential to understand the appropriate age range for the use of such products and the potential risks involved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths linked to the Fisher-Price sleeper | 100 |
| Number of deaths linked to the Fisher-Price sleeper after recall | 8 |
| Number of Fisher-Price sleepers recalled | 4.7 million |
| Number of deaths linked to the Fisher-Price sleeper before recall | 30 |
| Number of additional deaths linked to the Fisher-Price sleeper after recall | 70 |
| Number of deaths linked to the Fisher-Price sleeper since 2009 | 100 |
| Number of deaths linked to the Fisher-Price sleeper since 2013 | 50 |
| Average time between when a child was placed in a sitting/carrying device and found dead | 2.3 hours in car seats, 5 hours in swings, 2.5 hours in bouncers, 32 minutes in strollers |
| Position in which the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to place babies to sleep | On their backs on a firm and flat surface |
| Position in which the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition advised infants with reflux to sleep | Elevating the head of the crib and diaper changing table to 30 degrees so they never lay flat |
| Position in which Fisher-Price sleepers place babies | On their backs at a 30-degree angle |
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What You'll Learn
Fisher-Price Sleeper recalled due to infant deaths
Fisher-Price has recalled its Rock ‘n Play Sleeper following reports of infant deaths. The product was recalled in 2019 after reports emerged of dozens of infant deaths linked to the sleeper. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the number of deaths linked to the sleeper had hit triple digits, with at least 32 deaths associated with the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper since its launch in 2009.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) had advised parents to place babies to sleep on their backs on a firm and flat surface, and not to use inclined sleep products. The AAP urged the CPSC to recall the sleeper, stating that it was ""deadly". The Rock 'n Play Sleeper was linked to at least 73 deaths and more than 1,000 incidents, including serious injuries. Fisher-Price denied that any deaths were directly caused by its product, instead claiming that the fatalities were related to extenuating medical circumstances or incorrect use of the sleeper.
The product was designed to hold babies on their backs in a padded frame at a 30-degree angle, similar to a recliner. It was marketed for napping and overnight sleeping, despite numerous expert bodies advising against this practice. The company claimed that doctors advised letting colicky infants sleep in an inclined supine position of up to 30 degrees, citing a newsletter made available by the AAP. However, this newsletter was based on old treatment guidelines from 2001.
In 2023, the CPSC reannounced the recall of 4.7 million Rock 'n Play Sleepers, stating that at least eight deaths had occurred after the initial recall. In 2024, Fisher-Price recalled more than 2 million infant swings after five infants reportedly died while using the products for sleep. The recall covered models of Fisher-Price's Snuga Swings sold from October 2010 through January 2024. The CPSC has warned parents against leaving infants unsupervised while using swings, stating that they "aren't designed for safe sleeping".
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Lack of safety tests
The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper was recalled in 2019 following reports of infant deaths. The product was designed to hold babies on their backs in a padded frame at a 30-degree angle. However, the Rock 'n Play Sleeper's design conflicted with long-standing guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends that babies sleep face-up in an empty crib or bassinet to avoid accidental suffocation.
The product was invented without any medical safety tests. Fisher-Price developed the Rock 'n Play Sleeper based on faulty beliefs about infant sleep, with no clinical research into whether it was safe. Instead of seeking the advice of multiple paediatricians, the company consulted a single doctor—a family physician from Texas who was not a paediatrician and whose expertise had already been doubted by judges. This doctor would eventually lose his medical license.
The first time Fisher-Price hired a paediatrician to evaluate the Rock 'n Play was eight years later, as part of the company's defence in a product liability lawsuit. By then, the company had already sold 4.7 million units of the product.
In the years leading up to the recall, there were several reports of infants dying while using the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper. In 2014, a seven-week-old baby boy in Georgia was found blue and lifeless in the product but survived. That same year, a five-month-old boy in Texas was found unresponsive in the sleeper and died. There were also reports of infant deaths associated with the product in 2011 and 2013. Despite these incidents, Fisher-Price continued to sell the Rock 'n Play Sleeper, insisting that the fatalities were related to external factors or incorrect usage of the product.
In April 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper after reports of more than 30 infant deaths linked to the product. Several of these fatalities had confounding factors, such as additional bedding or improper placement of the baby. However, the lack of safety testing before the product's market release in 2009 made it difficult for investigators to determine the exact causes of these tragic incidents.
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The sleeper's design is dangerous
The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been linked to numerous infant fatalities, with some sources estimating the number of deaths to be over 100. The sleeper was designed to hold babies on their backs in a padded frame at a 30-degree incline, a feature that has been deemed unsafe by medical experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for instance, advises against the use of inclined sleep products, warning that they can cause babies to roll into unsafe positions and suffocate or strangle. This warning is echoed by other expert bodies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite these concerns, the Rock 'n Play Sleeper was marketed for napping and overnight sleeping, and Fisher-Price denied that its product was directly responsible for any deaths. The company attributed the fatalities to external factors such as medical conditions or incorrect usage. However, a Consumer Reports investigation revealed that at least 32 deaths were associated with the Rock 'n Play Sleeper, and it questioned the product's design and marketing. The investigation also highlighted the lack of medical safety tests conducted by Fisher-Price before releasing the product to the market.
The design of the Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been criticised for its potential to cause harm to infants. The inclined position of the sleeper can cause babies to slump forward, increasing the risk of suffocation. This risk is heightened for infants, who may not have the strength or ability to move themselves into a safe position. In addition, the sleeper's restraint system has been found to be inadequate, allowing babies to roll unrestrained onto their stomachs or sides, leading to tragic consequences.
The Rock 'n Play Sleeper was eventually recalled in April 2019, after over 30 infant fatalities were reported. However, this recall was not enough to prevent further deaths, with approximately 70 additional fatalities occurring after the initial recall. This has led to criticism of Fisher-Price for its inadequate and delayed response to a dangerous product. The company has been accused of negligence in designing and marketing a potentially lethal product, and for failing to act urgently to remove it from people's homes.
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Parents' trust in the product
Fisher-Price sleepers have been recalled due to safety concerns and infant deaths. The sleepers were found to have design flaws that violated federal safety standards, posing a risk of suffocation, entrapment, and fall hazards.
Despite these issues, parents trusted the Fisher-Price brand and believed that their products were safe for their children. Here are some reasons why parents may have had trust in the product:
Brand Recognition and Reputation: Fisher-Price is a well-known and established brand in the baby and children's product industry. The company has been in business for many years and has built a reputation for creating innovative and popular products. Parents may have trusted the brand name and assumed that their products, including the sleepers, were safe and thoroughly tested.
Marketing and Advertising: Fisher-Price likely invested significant resources into marketing and advertising campaigns for their sleepers. These campaigns may have emphasized the convenience, comfort, and safety of the product. Positive messaging and endorsements from medical professionals or parenting organizations could have influenced parents' trust in the product.
Lack of Information and Recall Awareness: Recalled products can sometimes remain in use, especially in the case of baby items that are frequently passed down or resold. Parents may not actively seek out recall information, especially if they are busy or overwhelmed with new parenthood. They may also miss recall announcements or assume that second-hand items are safe if they are unaware of the dangers.
Assumption of Regulatory Oversight: Many consumers assume that infant products undergo rigorous scrutiny and regulatory oversight before they are allowed on the market. Parents may have trusted that the sleepers met all necessary safety standards and that any potential hazards would have been identified and addressed by the manufacturer or regulators.
Personal Recommendations and Word-of-Mouth: Word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents or caregivers can be influential. If a trusted friend or family member recommended the Fisher-Price sleeper, it could have instilled a sense of trust in the product's safety and effectiveness.
Convenience and Sleep Solutions: The Fisher-Price sleepers were marketed as a solution for helping babies sleep comfortably and for longer periods. Parents struggling with sleep deprivation may have been drawn to the convenience and perceived benefits of the product, trusting that it provided a safe and effective solution for their child's sleep needs.
It's important to note that while some parents trusted the Fisher-Price sleepers, others experienced tragic losses due to the product's design flaws. The recall of the sleepers and the subsequent outcry have highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight and more effective recall processes to ensure the safety of infant products.
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Other Fisher-Price product recalls
Fisher-Price has been a trusted name in baby products for years, but there have been several controversies and recalls of its products due to safety concerns. The Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper is one of the most widely recognized baby products recalled due to serious safety concerns. In April 2019, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled approximately 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers after reports linked the product to over 30 infant deaths. The product posed a suffocation hazard, especially when infants rolled over while unrestrained or were placed in the sleeper incorrectly. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to place babies to sleep on their backs on a firm and flat surface, and it does not recommend inclined sleep products like the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
- In March 2020, Fisher-Price recalled about 100,000 units of the Infant-to-Toddler Rocker after reports of injuries linked to the product tipping over. The recall was initiated after incidents of infants falling from the rocker when used at an incline.
- In October 2024, Fisher-Price recalled approximately 2.1 million Snuga Infant Swings due to a suffocation hazard. The recall followed reports of five infant deaths when the swings were improperly used for sleep.
- In 2019, the Rocker Recliner was recalled due to a potential suffocation hazard after reports that the recliner could tip over. Approximately 85,000 units were affected.
- In 2018, the Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair was recalled after reports of a potential choking hazard. The recall affected about 65,000 units due to a risk of the seat's legs detaching.
- In 2017, Fisher-Price recalled approximately 600,000 units of the Little People Animal Friends Farm due to a choking hazard posed by small parts.
- In 2015, Fisher-Price recalled its Medical Kit for a choking hazard posed by small accessories included in the set. Approximately 30,000 units were recalled.
- In 2022, Fisher-Price recalled its Brunch & Go Stroller Toys due to a choking hazard. The company received five reports of the toy egg cracking and breaking, with infants having small pieces in their mouths in two reports.
- Fisher-Price has also recalled its Soothing Motions Seat, Soothing Savanna, Sweet Surroundings, and Sweet Surroundings Butterfly Friends Cradle ‘n Swings.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that babies should not sleep for long periods in inclined devices such as car seats or infant swings. The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been linked to dozens of infant deaths and was recalled in 2019. Due to the risk of serious injury or death, it is advised that babies should not sleep in this product at all.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to place babies to sleep on their backs on a firm and flat surface.
The recalled Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper violates federal safety standards for infant sleep products. The sides are too short, the sleeping pad is too thick, and there is an opening at the foot of the lounger that babies can fall out of or become trapped in.
Since the initial recall in 2019, about 70 additional deaths have been reported, including at least 12 that occurred after the recall.
In 2021, Fisher-Price recalled its 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soother and its 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Glider. The 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soother was linked to four infant deaths, but no deaths were reported with the 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Glider.
