Infant Deaths Linked to Fisher-Price Sleeper
Recently, information that was published by Consumer Reports showed that the popular Rock’n Play Sleeper from Fisher-Price has been linked to more than 30 deaths in babies and infants. The popular toy is designed to create a gentle rocking motion to help put babies to sleep. While it can be a challenge for parents to get their children to sleep continuously, it is important for all infants to be in a safe position while going to sleep. A proper sleep position is important for reducing the potential for SIDS, which is called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Campaigns that have been run by the American Academy of Pediatrics over the past few decades have reduced the rate of SIDS deaths. Unfortunately, the Fisher-Price Rock’n Play has thrust SIDS back into the spotlight once again.
The Back to Sleep Campaign
In the 1980s, most parents were placing children on the stomach to go to sleep. The idea behind this sleep position was to help babies strengthen their neck muscles which would help them lift their heads up. Unfortunately, this also increased the opportunity for a SIDS death. Babies who were not strong enough to lift their head up continuously were at risk of suffocating with their heads face down in the mattress or pillow.
In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics began their Back to Sleep Campaign. This campaign pushed for all babies to be placed on their backs when they go to sleep. While this might delay the strengthening of neck muscles, it would also prevent infant deaths. As awareness of the “safe sleep” position encouraged by doctors increased, the rate of SIDS deaths decreased. Some important information from the campaign includes:
- In 1992, only 13 percent of babies were placed on their back to go to sleep
- In 2006, that number had increased to 75 percent
- During this time period, the rate of SIDS deaths was decreased by two-thirds
Clearly, the Back to Sleep campaign has been a success at reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Unfortunately, SIDS could be on the rise again thanks to the Fisher-Price Rock’n Play.
The Danger of the Fisher-Price Rock’n Play
With the number of deaths linked to this toy on the rise, an investigation was completed into this infant rocker. The problem with the rocker is that it places infants at an incline to go to sleep. This makes it easier for babies in the toy to roll over, particularly if they aren’t restrained in the harness. Therefore, even if parents place their infant in the toy in the proper sleeping position, their child could roll into a different position. If babies roll from their back to their stomach or side while in the rocker, it could lead to wrongful death. The child could end up suffocating.
Watch YouTube Video – One Family Shares its Story ~The tragic death of baby, Ezra.
The Fisher-Price Rock’n Play Has Not Been Recalled
Because of the number of infant deaths and the obvious dangers of the product, the company has issued a warning. Fisher-Price, along with a government regulatory body, has said that children older than 3 months who have the ability to roll over should not be placed in the Rock’n Play because of the danger of SIDS and suffocation. Unfortunately, this warning does not go far enough. The Consumer Reports investigation has also found that children under 3 months of age could be killed while using this toy.
Furthermore, in addition to the risk of rollover, it is important for parents not to place extra bedding in the sleep area as well. If there is extra bedding present in the sleep area, children could also roll their face into the bedding and suffocate themselves in their sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be placed on their backs on a firm mattress without extra toys, pillows, or blankets to reduce the risk of SIDS. The Fisher-Price Rock’n Play goes against all of these sleep recommendations and the toy has resulted in the deaths of close to three-dozen infants so far. The number could rise. Because of a long history of safety issues revealed by multiple investigations, it is shocking that the product hasn’t been recalled and Fisher-Price should be held liable for their faulty product. Issuing warnings to distraught parents and families is not enough. When children are placed at risk, more should be done. Where can families look for assistance during their time of need?
Products Liability
If a child’s safety has been threatened, it is important for families to ask for help. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Stockton can help parents find answers to their questions. Some of the tools that an injury lawyer has at their disposal include:
- An objective, professional presence who can help families make decisions during a difficult time
- Assistance in reviewing all of the records from the incident to ensure that none of the details have been missed
- Help in pursuing damages related to the accident, its injuries, any complications, and even pain and suffering
- Moving a case to trial when needed
Nobody should have to face this difficult situation alone and no parent should ever have to bury their child. The safety of children needs to come first. Reach out to a Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer who has experience in products liability cases to learn more about dangerous and defective consumer goods. You could be entitled to a monetary compensation.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer. No family should ever have to worry about the safety of their children in an infant toy. If your child has been injured in a serious accident, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly legal advice.
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Photo Attribution: The image that was placed at the top of this page was located first on Pixabay.
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