Fisher-Price and its parent company Mattel have voluntarily recalled nearly 5 million Rock ‘n Play sleeper products due to numerous cases of infant deaths occurring within the sleeper. The product is designed as a soft cradle that vibrates gently to help a baby fall asleep. When a child is placed into the sleeper, they are meant to be placed into a restraining harness attached to the cradle.
Consumer Reports has conducted researched that suggests more than 30 infants have died due to suffocation in a Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper since it was first introduced in 2009. It is believed that most of the deaths are attributed to the misuse of the harnesses, allowing an unattended infant to roll onto their side or stomach and suffocate against the soft material of the sleeper. Only 10 of these deaths have been confirmed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
In response to the Consumer Reports findings, the American Academy of Pediatrics called the sleeper “deadly” and sent a letter to Mattel, urging the toymaker to recall the product. Although Fisher-Price has maintained its product is safe when used as intended and as per instructions, the company did issue a complete voluntary recall earlier this month. The toymaker says the product is safe if an infant is restrained and under the age of three months. The instructions also say a child should not be placed in the sleeper if they “exhibit rollover capabilities.”
Regardless of Fisher-Price’s insistence, all parents should stop use of the sleeper and contact Mattel or Fisher-Price to get a refund, voucher, or replacement product. You can get more information about the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper recall by clicking here and viewing the full report from the CPSC.
Filing a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Lawsuit in Alabama
The personal injury lawyers of Cunningham Bounds in Alabama have extensive experience handling severe injury and wrongful death cases involving defective products. We have the excellent legal knowledge needed to take on tough opponents like big corporations, such as Fisher-Price and Mattel. But we also have a genuine, compassionate approach when handling highly sensitive cases, which gives our clients both confidence and peace of mind as their claim progresses.
If your infant was seriously injured or passed away while in a Rock ‘n Play sleeper product, please give us a call at (844) 417-0930. We will evaluate your potential case, free of charge, and let you know what you should do next.