Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper Recall: All You Need to Know

Introduction

In April 2019, Fisher-Price voluntarily recalled the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper after reports of infant deaths and injuries. The recall affected an estimated 4.7 million sleepers, making it one of the largest toy recalls in U.S. history.

What is the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper?

The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper is an inclined sleeper that allows infants to sleep in a slightly elevated position. It has a soft, padded base, a three-point harness, and a rocking motion. The sleeper was designed to help infants fall asleep and stay asleep, and it was marketed as a safe sleeping option for babies.

Why Was the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper Recalled?

The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper was recalled due to concerns that it could increase the risk of infants suffocating. Specifically, the recall was prompted by reports of 10 infant deaths that occurred while infants were sleeping in the sleeper. The deaths were attributed to the sleeper's inclined design, which can cause infants to roll onto their stomachs and suffocate.

What Should I Do If I Have a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper?

If you have a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper, stop using it immediately. Contact Fisher-Price for a refund or a replacement product. You can reach Fisher-Price at 1-800-432-5437 or visit their website at www.service.mattel.com.

How to Get a Refund or Replacement Product

To get a refund or a replacement product, you can contact Fisher-Price at 1-800-432-5437 or visit their website at www.service.mattel.com. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and the serial number of your sleeper.

What if I Don't Have the Serial Number for My Sleeper?

If you don't have the serial number for your sleeper, you can still get a refund or a replacement product. However, you will need to provide additional information, such as the date of purchase and the store where you purchased the sleeper.

What is Fisher-Price's Response to the Recall?

Fisher-Price has apologized for the deaths and injuries associated with the Rock 'n Play Sleeper. The company has recalled all of the sleepers and has stopped selling them. Fisher-Price has also established a $12 million fund to compensate families who have lost a child or who have had a child injured while using the sleeper.

What We Have Learned from the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper Recall

The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper recall has taught us several important lessons about infant safety:

• Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep. This is the safest sleeping position for infants, and it reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• Inclined sleepers are not safe for infants. Inclined sleepers can cause infants to roll onto their stomachs and suffocate.
• Parents should never use products that have been recalled. Recalled products have been found to be unsafe, and they can pose a serious risk to children.

How to Protect Your Infant from Suffocation

There are a number of things you can do to protect your infant from suffocation:

• Always place your infant on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm mattress in your infant's crib or bassinet.
• Do not use pillows, blankets, or other soft objects in your infant's crib or bassinet.
• Keep your infant's crib or bassinet away from cords, wires, and other potential hazards.
• Never smoke in your infant's room.
• Get your infant vaccinated against SIDS.
• Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your infant's sleep.

Conclusion

The Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper recall is a reminder of the importance of infant safety. Parents should always follow safe sleep guidelines and be aware of the risks associated with any product they use for their infant.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: Emily's Story

Emily's parents bought her a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper when she was a newborn. They loved the sleeper because it helped Emily fall asleep and stay asleep. However, one night, Emily's parents were shocked to find her lifeless body in the sleeper. They had no idea that the sleeper could be dangerous, and they were devastated by their daughter's death.

Lesson Learned: Inclined sleepers are not safe for infants. They can cause infants to roll onto their stomachs and suffocate.

Story 2: John's Story

John's parents bought him a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper when he was a few months old. They used the sleeper for several months without any problems. However, one day, John's mother found him lying on his stomach in the sleeper. She quickly turned him over and called 911. John was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator. He remained on the ventilator for several days before he fully recovered.

Lesson Learned: Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep. Rolling onto their stomachs can increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.

Story 3: Mary's Story

Mary's parents bought her a Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper when she was a newborn. They were very careful to follow the safety guidelines and always placed Mary on her back to sleep. However, one night, Mary's parents were horrified to find her lying face down in the sleeper. They rushed her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with positional asphyxia. Mary spent several days in the hospital recovering from her injuries.

Lesson Learned: Even when parents are careful to follow safety guidelines, there is still a risk of suffocation when infants sleep in inclined sleepers.

Step-by-Step Approach to Infant Safety

Step 1: Create a Safe Sleep Environment

• Use a firm mattress in your infant's crib or bassinet.
• Do not use pillows, blankets, or other soft objects in your infant's crib or bassinet.
• Keep your infant's crib or bassinet away from cords, wires, and other potential hazards.
• Never smoke in your infant's room.

Step 2: Always Place Your Infant on Their Back to Sleep

• This is the safest sleeping position for infants and reduces the risk of SIDS.
• Make sure your infant is always placed on their back to sleep, even if they roll onto their stomach during the night.

Step 3: Avoid Inclined Sleepers

• Inclined sleepers have been associated with an increased risk of suffocation.
• Use a flat surface for your infant to sleep on, such as a crib or bassinet.

Step 4: Talk to Your Doctor

• Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your infant's sleep.
• Your doctor can help you develop a safe sleep plan for your infant.

Call to Action

Infant safety is everyone's responsibility. Parents, caregivers, and manufacturers all have a role to play in keeping infants safe. By following these guidelines, we can help to prevent infant deaths and injuries.

Tables

Table 1: Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper Recall Statistics

Table 2: Safe Sleep Guidelines

Table 3: Infant Sleep Safety Products