Fisher Price Rock 'n Play Sleepers are recalled after reports of infant deaths

Fisher-Price is recalling nearly 5 million infant sleepers after more than 30 babies rolled over in them and died since the product was introduced in 2009. Photo / AP

All models of Rock 'n Play Sleepers by Fisher-Price are being recalled after reports of infant fatalities occurring while using the product.

More than 30 infant fatalities have been reported since the product was introduced in 2009, "after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances," according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall came three days after the American Academy of Pediatrics wrote a news release calling on the commission to recall the products, pointing to their danger. Last week, the safety commission and Fisher-Price asked consumers to stop using the sleeper after an infant reaches three months of age, "or is capable of rolling over."

Between 2011 and 2018, 32 babies have died, "included babies even younger than the 3-month threshold cited in the initial warning, which is alarming," the AAP noted in its release.

"This product is deadly and should be recalled immediately," Kyle Yasuda, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in the news release. "When parents purchase a product for their baby or child, many assume that if it's being sold in a store, it must be safe to use. Tragically, that is not the case."

The AAP's notice appears to have been prompted by an investigation from Consumer Reports, whose president said in a statement the Rock 'n Play recall was "long overdue."

"Fisher-Price and the CPSC knew about deaths linked to this product for years and could have taken steps to avoid this unnecessary tragedy," Consumer Reports President Marta Tellado said in the statement. "It took dogged investigation and the voices of doctors, victims' families, and advocates across the country to make this recall a reality."

"We're very pleased that this happened," said Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, who chairs the AAP Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. The AAP rarely issues warnings about child products or pushes for recalls. But, Hoffman said, "we feel like this is a dangerous product."

In May 2018, the CPSC issued a warning to parents indicating they were "aware of infant deaths associated with inclined sleep products," specifically, "bassinet-like products with an inclined back to elevate the baby's head and torso."

This warning, however, did not name Fisher Price.

Consumer advocates say the recall has too many restrictions and could cause confusion.

"It's problematic," said Rachel Weintraub, general counsel at the Consumer Federation of America.

Weintraub and others point to Fisher-Price's offer of a full refund only to people who have owned the product six months or less. People with older Rock 'n Plays are reimbursed on a sliding scale - less money the longer they've owned it.

"It will discourage participation," said Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger.

Rachel Moon, a doctor and chair of the AAP's task force on sudden infant death syndrome, added in a news release that "infants should always sleep on their back, on a separate, flat and firm sleep surface without any bumpers or bedding."

"Putting safety first, in partnership with the CPSC, Fisher-Price issued a voluntary recall of our Rock 'n Play Sleepers," Fisher-Price tweeted. "All product use should be discontinued."

Consumers can find out if they are eligible for a refund or voucher at www.service.mattel.com.