Gina Johnson
Fisher-Price's Rock 'n Play sleeper has been the subject of much debate in recent years, with some parents swearing by its effectiveness in helping their babies sleep better, while others have raised serious safety concerns. The product has been recalled multiple times due to reports of infant fatalities, with over 30 deaths reported initially and an additional 70 after the first recall. The sleeper's design, which positions infants at an incline, has been identified as a potential suffocation hazard, leading to recalls, FDA warnings, and even new legislation banning such products. Despite these concerns, some parents continue to seek out the product for its affordability and effectiveness in improving infant sleep. This situation highlights the complex issues surrounding infant care products and the challenges faced by sleep-deprived parents seeking safe and affordable solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of units recalled | 4.7 million |
| Date of recall | April 2019 |
| Number of infant deaths | 30 (as of April 2019) |
| Additional deaths after initial recall | 70 |
| Cause of death | Positional asphyxia, suffocation |
| Other issues | Mold |
| Price | $40-$149 |
| Places sold | Walmart, Target, Amazon |
| Alternative sleep advice | Place babies on their backs on a firm, flat surface |
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What You'll Learn
Infant fatalities and suffocation risks
The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been recalled due to safety concerns and linked to infant fatalities. The product was recalled in 2019 after over 30 infant fatalities were reported, with the total number of reported fatalities reaching approximately 100. The sleeper was designed to allow babies to sleep on their backs at a 30-degree incline, however, this design has been found to pose a risk of suffocation and asphyxiation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against the use of inclined sleep products, stating that babies should sleep on their backs on a firm and flat surface. The AAP's Back to Sleep campaign recommended that "babies should not sleep for long periods in inclined devices". The campaign's recommendation that babies sleep flat on their backs halved the infant death rate during sleep, which is a leading cause of accidental death in babies under one year old.
The Rock 'n Play Sleeper's incline angle can cause infants to roll onto their sides or stomachs, obstructing their airways and resulting in suffocation. This phenomenon is known as positional asphyxia, and it occurs when a baby's heavy head slips forward due to the steep angle of the sleeper. In some cases, babies may doze off with their chins resting on their chests, causing asphyxiation and suffocation.
In addition to the risk of suffocation, the Rock 'n Play Sleeper has also been associated with other injuries. Active babies may flip the sleeper over and get stuck underneath, leading to neck injuries and constrictive breathing issues.
Following the initial recall in 2019, Fisher-Price re-announced the recall in 2023 after at least 70 more deaths were linked to the product, with at least eight occurring after the initial recall. The company has faced numerous lawsuits from parents who lost their infants while using the Rock 'n Play Sleeper, with claims that Fisher-Price knew about the risks but delayed issuing a recall.
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Fisher-Price recalls and lawsuits
Fisher-Price has recalled 4.7 million Rock 'n Play sleepers, a portable sleeper that props a baby up at a slight incline. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the product "deadly" and recommended that it be recalled. The product was recalled in 2019 after 30 infant deaths were reported, and again in 2023 due to its presence in the resale market, with an additional 70 deaths reported after the initial recall.
The Rock 'n Play sleeper was a popular product, particularly among parents of newborns, due to its low price and effectiveness in helping children sleep. However, concerns were raised about the safety of the product, including the risk of suffocation if babies rolled onto their stomachs and the development of mould between the frame and fabric if placed in a moist environment or not regularly cleaned. Canada and Australia did not allow Fisher-Price to market the device as a sleeper due to safety concerns, and the company received warnings from the Fisher-Price Safety Commission about safety issues between 2008 and 2009.
In addition to the Rock 'n Play sleeper recall, Fisher-Price has also issued recalls for several other products, including:
- Brunch & Go Stroller Toys: These toys were recalled due to choking hazards, with small pieces that could come apart unexpectedly.
- SnugaPuppy Activity Center: This product was also recalled due to choking hazards, specifically with the tissue box activity, where the box can come apart and expose small parts.
- Soothing Motions Seat
- Soothing Savanna, Sweet Surroundings and Sweet Surroundings Butterfly Friends Cradle ‘n Swings
- Rock ‘n Glide Soother
- Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard
- Little People Play 'n Go Campsite
- High Chair to Booster
- Rainforest Portable Play Yard
- Learning Pots & Pans
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Consumer Reports and safety concerns
The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been the subject of safety concerns and consumer reports, which have led to recalls and lawsuits. The product is a portable sleeper that props a baby up at a slight incline of about 30 degrees. While it gained popularity among parents due to its convenience and effectiveness in helping infants sleep, concerns have been raised about the risk of infant deaths and injuries associated with its use.
Consumer Reports, an independent, nonprofit member organization, has played a significant role in bringing attention to the safety concerns surrounding the Rock 'n Play Sleeper. In 2019, Consumer Reports published an investigation that questioned the safety of inclined baby sleepers, including the Rock 'n Play Sleeper. The report highlighted the growing number of reported deaths linked to these products, which had reached 50 at the time of the report.
One of the main safety concerns with the Rock 'n Play Sleeper is the risk of positional asphyxia or suffocation. The inclined design of the sleeper can cause babies to roll into an unsafe position, compressing their airways and leading to suffocation. This phenomenon has been responsible for several infant deaths associated with the product. Consumer Reports have shared tragic stories of infants who have died in the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, including a 2-month-old in Texas and a 5-month-old boy who was found unresponsive with his nose squished into the back of the seat.
Another concern is the marketing and promotion of the Rock 'n Play Sleeper as a safe sleep space for infants. Many parents, like Tiffany Sundelin and Donna Podnos, assumed that the product was safe and had been approved for infant sleep. Sundelin, a cautious parent, stated that she would never have purchased the product had she known about the risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has advised against the use of inclined sleep products, recommending instead that babies sleep on their backs on a firm and flat surface. The AAP considers inclined sleepers to be risky due to the possibility of babies rolling into unsafe positions, leading to suffocation or strangulation.
In addition to Consumer Reports and the AAP, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also been involved in addressing the safety concerns. The CPSC is responsible for protecting consumers from unreasonable risks associated with consumer products. In 2019, the CPSC issued a warning about the Rock 'n Play Sleeper and urged Fisher-Price to recall the product. The recalls of the Rock 'n Play Sleeper by Fisher-Price in 2019 and 2023 were prompted by infant fatalities linked to the product, with over 30 deaths reported initially and an additional 70 deaths reported after the initial recall.
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Pediatrician recommendations
The Rock 'n Play Sleeper has been recalled multiple times due to safety concerns and infant fatalities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that the product is "deadly" and should be recalled. In 2019, the AAP urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to immediately recall the sleepers, and Fisher-Price issued a recall shortly after. The recall was reannounced in 2023, and to date, there have been over 100 reported infant deaths linked to the product.
The Rock 'n Play Sleeper is an inclined sleep product that positions infants at a 30-degree angle. The AAP advises parents to place babies on their backs on a firm and flat surface and does not recommend inclined sleep products. Inclined sleepers are risky because babies can roll into unsafe positions and suffocate or become strangled. The AAP's Back to Sleep campaign in the mid-1990s recommended that "babies should not sleep for long periods in inclined devices." This recommendation halved the infant death rate during sleep, which is a leading cause of accidental death in babies under one year old.
The AAP also recommends room-sharing with your baby for the first 6 to 12 months and placing them in a freestanding or sidecar bassinet next to your bed, allowing easy access for soothing and feeding. Swaddling your baby before placing them on their back on a firm, flat surface can help replicate the soothing environment of the womb and may help them relax and sleep better.
It is important to note that newborns will not sleep for long periods and will wake frequently, especially at night. This is normal, and parents should not expect their newborns to sleep through the night.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleep or have questions about safe sleep practices, please consult your pediatrician or a trusted healthcare professional.
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Alternatives to Rock 'n Play
The Rock 'n Play sleeper has been recalled multiple times due to safety concerns and infant deaths. The product was recalled in 2019, and again in 2023 due to its continued presence in the resale market.
Graco DuoGlider
The Graco DuoGlider is a versatile option that can be used as a rocker and a bassinet. It offers two positions: a flat position for sleeping, and a slightly reclined position for lounging when the baby is awake. The DuoGlider rocks in both positions and can be easily adjusted between the two. It is battery-powered, so there is no need for manual rocking.
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is a flat sleep-specific alternative that features a swivel base. This allows you to easily turn the bassinet towards you to tend to the baby or adjust its position to make room beside the bed.
Baby Delight Go with Me Sway Portable Infant Rocker
This option is highly portable and similar in price and design to the Rock N Play. It is inclined, foldable, and features a breathable mesh material.
SwaddleMe by Your Bed Sleeper
The SwaddleMe by Your Bed Sleeper is a safe and affordable option that includes mesh material and a rocking function. It offers both incline and flat sleeping positions with adjustments in between.
These alternatives to the Rock 'n Play sleeper offer similar functionality while prioritizing the safety and comfort of infants.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to use the Rock 'n Play Sleeper. Fisher-Price has recalled the product following reports of infant fatalities. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also called the product "deadly".
The Rock 'n Play Sleeper was recalled because it violates federal safety standards for infant sleep products. The sides are too low to contain the infant, and the bassinets do not have a stand, posing a fall hazard. The sleeper's incline angle of 30 degrees also presented a risk of suffocation.
If you own a Rock 'n Play Sleeper, you should stop using it immediately and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher. It is illegal to sell or distribute the recalled sleepers.
Safe alternatives to the Rock 'n Play Sleeper include a freestanding bassinet or a sidecar bassinet next to your bed, allowing you to touch and soothe your baby when needed. You can also try swaddling your baby before placing them on their back on a firm, flat surface.
Yes, there have been lawsuits filed against Fisher-Price by parents whose infants died or were seriously injured while using the Rock 'n Play Sleeper.
