Fisher-Price recalls 2 million baby swings for suffocation risk after 5 infant deaths
Since 2010, more than 2 million Snuga swings have been sold in America. About 99,000 have been sold in Canada and about 500 in Mexico.
The Snuga Swing was officially recalled on Thursday because it was a choking hazard
The recall states: ‘Consumers are reminded to never use these products for sleeping and never add blankets or other materials to the swing, even after the headrest and body support insert have been removed.
‘Parents and caregivers should never use inclined seating products, such as swings, gliders, pacifiers and rockers, for infants’ sleep and should not leave infants unattended, unrestrained or with bedding in these products due to the risk of suffocation.’
To “fix” the product, the CPSC said to remove the headrest and body support from the swing. Anyone who takes these parts out and throws them away will receive a $25 refund from Fisher-Price.
Specific instructions for doing this can be found on Mattel’s website.
To ensure children’s safety, the CPSC recommends that they position themselves on their backs to go to sleep.
To “fix” the product, the CPSC said to remove the headrest and body support from the swing
‘The best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play area, with nothing but an appropriate sheet. Infants who fall asleep tilted or upright should be moved to a safe sleep environment with a firm, level surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or play yard,” the CPSC wrote in the recall.
“Fisher-Price’s utmost concern and primary focus has always been the safety of the children who use our products,” the company said in a statement.
CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka said Fisher-Price’s efforts regarding this recall are not sufficient.
He wrote in a statement: ‘First, Fisher-Price does not recall the entire product, instead recalling only part of it. Even after a consumer recall, the product remains unsafe for infant sleep, but Fisher-Price encourages “continue using the swing.”
“I fear this dangerous approach will result in babies being put at risk of death just to save Fisher-Price money – an appalling example of putting profits before people.”
Trumka also pointed out that the company will only refund a portion of the total cost of the product.
