Miya Pearson
Boppy is a company that manufactures baby products such as nursing pillows and infant loungers. The company has issued a voluntary recall of its Boppy Newborn Lounger due to safety concerns and the risk of infant suffocation. The recall was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and affects all models and colors of the newborn lounger. Several incidents and infant deaths have been associated with the use of Boppy's newborn lounger and similar products, raising concerns about their safety for infant sleep. This paragraph introduces the topic of the safety of the Boppy Newborn Lounger for infant sleep and sets the context for further discussion or analysis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for sleep | No |
| Reason | Risk of infant suffocation |
| Number of infant deaths reported | 7-8 |
| Period of infant deaths | Between December 2015 and June 2020 |
| Recall | Voluntary recall of all models and colors of the newborn lounger |
| Safe sleep guidelines | Alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys |
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What You'll Learn
Infant deaths linked to Boppy products
Boppy's Newborn Lounger has been linked to at least 10 infant deaths since 2015, with eight of these occurring between December 2015 and June 2020. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of babies suffocating in the product. The Boppy Company recalled over 3 million loungers in 2021, including the Boppy Original Newborn Lounger, the Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger, and the Pottery Barn Kids Newborn Boppy Lounger. The CPSC urged parents to stop using the products immediately and to contact the company for a refund. The recall came after the CPSC warned caregivers about the risks of using similar products for infant sleep in October 2020.
The Boppy Newborn Lounger was not a sleep product and was intended for supervised awake-time only. Boppy has always promoted the AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend a safe place for babies to sleep: alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys. Despite these warnings, some caregivers have used the Boppy Newborn Lounger for infant sleep, contrary to the product's instructions and warnings.
In October 2021, an infant placed in a Boppy lounger to sleep rolled underneath a nearby adult pillow and died of positional asphyxia. In November 2021, another infant died after being placed on a Boppy lounger in bed with a parent; the cause of death was not determined. These two deaths were reported after the 2021 recall, bringing the total number of reported deaths associated with the product to at least 10.
Boppy has stated that it is committed to safeguarding babies and communicating the safe use of its products to parents and caregivers. The company has provided clear warnings and instructions for safe usage on all products, packaging, and promotional materials. Boppy has also stressed that its products are for awake time only and that infants should not be unattended or left to sleep on or with any Boppy product.
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Boppy's recall of newborn loungers
Boppy nursing pillows have always been awake-time-only products and should never be used for sleep. The company has always promoted the AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend a safe place for babies to sleep: alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
In 2021, Boppy voluntarily recalled its Newborn Lounger, a product designed for parents to place infants during supervised awake-time only, due to instances of misuse. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address the risk of infant suffocation. There were eight reported infant deaths associated with the Boppy Company Newborn Lounger between December 2015 and June 2020. The infants reportedly suffocated after being placed on their back, side, or stomach on the lounger and were later found on their side or stomach. The recall pertained to all models and colors of the Newborn Lounger, the Preferred Newborn Lounger, and the Pottery Barn Lounger.
The Boppy Company urged consumers to stop using the recalled loungers and offered refunds. To receive a refund, consumers were instructed to provide a copy of their receipt and a photograph showing the destruction of the lounger by cutting it in half. The company also provided a toll-free number and email address for customers to contact them.
In addition to the Newborn Lounger recall, Boppy also voluntarily recalled its Ebony Floral Head & Neck Support and Heathered Gray Head & Neck Support products in cooperation with the CPSC. The recall was due to the potential for the material in these products to be overstuffed, creating difficulty breathing when in use. However, no injuries were reported.
It is important to note that Boppy nursing pillows have never been recalled. The company emphasizes that their products are committed to safety and quality, and they continue to promote safe sleep practices for infants.
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Safe sleep guidelines
The Boppy Company has always been committed to creating products that comfortably support parents and babies. However, the company has issued a voluntary recall of its Boppy Newborn Lounger due to a risk of infant suffocation. The recall was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The Boppy Newborn Lounger was not designed for sleep. It was intended for parents to place infants on during supervised awake-time only. The company has always promoted the AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend that babies sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their side or stomach. This recommendation applies to every sleep time, including naps.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib, bassinet, or mattress covered by a fitted sheet. Avoid soft mattresses, pillows, and bedding, which can increase the risk of suffocation.
- Keep the sleep area clear of any objects that could cause suffocation, such as blankets, pillows, toys, and loose bedding.
- Ensure your baby's head and face remain uncovered during sleep. Avoid using hats or other head coverings that could slip over their face.
- It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents but on a separate sleep surface for at least the first six months. This arrangement reduces the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
- Do not allow your baby to sleep on an inclined surface, such as an infant car seat, bouncer, or swing, for prolonged periods. These products should only be used for their intended purposes and under supervision.
- Avoid bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS. If you bring your baby into bed for feeding or comfort, place them back in their own sleep space before you fall asleep.
- Do not smoke or allow smoking around your baby, as this significantly increases the risk of SIDS.
- Offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. This has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS, even if the pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth while they sleep.
- Breastfeed your baby, if possible. Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
- Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings for any baby products you use, such as cribs, bassinets, or sleep positioners.
- Always supervise your baby during awake time, especially when using pillows or loungers. Do not leave them unattended, as they can quickly roll over or fall asleep in an unsafe position.
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Safe use of Boppy products
Boppy products are designed to comfortably support parents and their babies. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines when using Boppy products, especially when it comes to sleep. Here are some instructions for the safe use of Boppy products:
- Nursing Pillows: Boppy nursing pillows are intended for adult-supervised awake-time only. They are not designed for sleep and should never be used as a sleeping surface for babies. Boppy has provided clear warnings and instructions on their products to reinforce this message. The company strongly supports the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) warning to refrain from using nursing pillows or lounger-like products for infant sleep.
- Newborn Lounger: The Boppy Newborn Lounger is designed for supervised awake-time use only. It is not a sleep product, and allowing infants to sleep on it goes against safe sleep guidelines. In 2021, Boppy voluntarily recalled the Newborn Lounger due to instances of misuse, including caregivers using it for sleep, which resulted in infant deaths. The recall applies to all models and colors of the Newborn Lounger, the Preferred Newborn Lounger, and the Pottery Barn Lounger.
- Head & Neck Support: Boppy has also voluntarily recalled specific Head & Neck Support products, such as the Ebony Floral and Heathered Gray models, due to potential overstuffing. This overstuffing could create breathing difficulties when in use.
- General Guidelines: Always follow the AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines, which recommend that babies sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys. These guidelines help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths.
- Supervision: Even during awake-time use, ensure proper supervision when using Boppy products. Never leave infants unsupervised on Boppy products, as they may wiggle or slide into a position that obstructs their breathing.
- Caregiver Communication: Communicate the safe use of Boppy products to all caregivers, including daycare providers. Share the Daycare Use Guide with anyone caring for your child to ensure they follow the same safety protocols.
- Safe Sleep Recommendations: For additional safe sleep recommendations, refer to resources such as the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Safe Sleep guidelines. Consult your pediatrician if you have further questions or concerns about safe sleep practices.
By following these instructions, parents and caregivers can ensure the safe use of Boppy products and reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents. Boppy is committed to promoting the safe use of its products and working with organizations like the CPSC to prioritize the safety of babies and families.
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Boppy's response to infant deaths
Boppy has issued a response to the infant deaths associated with its products. The company has voluntarily recalled its Newborn Lounger and is offering refunds to customers. The recall applies to all models and colours of the Newborn Lounger, the Preferred Newborn Lounger, and the Pottery Barn Lounger. Boppy has also provided instructions on how to safely dispose of the product, which involves cutting it in half.
In its statement, Boppy expressed devastation at the recent infant deaths. The company emphasised its commitment to safeguarding babies and ensuring the safe use of its products. Boppy has long provided clear warnings and instructions for safe usage, stressing that their products are for awake time only and infants should never be left unattended. Despite these measures, some caregivers have misused the products, contrary to the company's warnings, industry guidelines, and the CPSC's October 2020 warning.
Boppy is working in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address the issue and find solutions to enhance infant safety. The company has also recalled the Boppy Ebony Floral Head & Neck Support and the Boppy Heathered Gray Head & Neck Support due to potential breathing difficulties caused by overstuffing.
Boppy's response highlights their commitment to safety and taking responsibility for their products. The company has taken proactive steps to prevent further incidents and is actively engaging with regulatory bodies to improve safety measures. Boppy's actions demonstrate their priority on infant safety and their willingness to address issues with their products.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Boppy Newborn Lounger is not safe for sleep. The Boppy Company has issued a voluntary recall of its Newborn Lounger to address the risk of infant suffocation. The company has received eight reports of infant deaths associated with the product. The Boppy Lounger is designed for supervised awake-time use only.
The Boppy Newborn Lounger is a soft surface that can obstruct an infant's breathing if they roll over or move during sleep. The lounger can also cause positional asphyxiation if a baby slides down while sleeping.
The AAP's Safe Sleep guidelines recommend that infants sleep alone, on their back, and on a firm, flat surface free of blankets, pillows, nursing pillows, and plush toys.
Alternatives to the Boppy Newborn Lounger for infant sleep include a bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper that meets the CPSC's safety standards for bassinets and cradles.
In addition to the Boppy Newborn Lounger, Boppy has also recalled the Boppy Ebony Floral Head & Neck Support and the Boppy Heathered Gray Head & Neck Support due to the potential for overstuffing, which could create breathing difficulties.
