After 2 babies suffocated to death, safety officials are warning parents not to use Poster Infant Loungers made by Leachco — but the company has refused to issue a recall.
Need a Texas Podster Infant Lounger Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If your baby suffocated, was injured or died on a Podster Infant Lounger made by Leachco, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: CPSC Sues Leachco for Refusing to Recall Podster Loungers
On February 9, 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) filed an administrative lawsuitagainst Oklahoma-based Leachco in an effort to force the company to recall 180,000 Podster Infant Loungers, issue warnings to parents and offer refunds.
According to CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric:
“Filing complaints like this one is a last resort when a manufacturer fails to respond to the type of safety concerns raised in this case, yet in the interest of protecting consumers we were left with no other options.”
Podster Infant Loungers Linked to 2 Baby Deaths
In January 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Safety Alert to warn consumers to stop using Leachco Podster Infant Loungers, Podster Plush, Bummzie, and Podster Playtime Baby Pillows after 2 babies tragically suffocated to death.
Infant loungers like Podsters are not safe for sleep. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their back. Babies who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment.
What Happened?
Two babies died when they were placed on a Podster and changed position so that their noses and mouths were obstructed by the Podster or another object. The infants, 17-days old and 4-months old, died in January 2018 and December 2015, according to the CPSC.
Leachco Refuses to Recall Podster Baby Pillows
In an unusual move, Leachco refused to voluntarily recall the Podster Infant Lounger and immediately defended the safety of the product. Leachco said “The Podster® is not a sleep product,” and it has “clear warnings on the product and its packaging not to place it in a bed or crib or use it for unsupervised sleep.” Leachco said the CPSC believes all infant loungers — including the Podster — are dangerous because caregivers use them for unsupervised sleep.
How Many Podsters Were Sold?
Podster Infant Loungers have been on the market since 2009. More than 180,000 have been sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Buy Buy Baby, Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, and others.
What Are Infant Loungers?
Infant loungers, also known as “lounging pads” or “baby pillows,” are products that are designed to provide a resting place for babies. Many are advertised as only safe for awake-time, and only when the baby is too young to roll over.
What is the Problem?
Parents and caregivers commonly use lounging pillows for unsupervised sleep, naps, and in cribs — which is an extremely dangerous practice due to the risk of suffocation and death. Even babies who can’t roll over yet can still change position in a way that traps their mouth and nose against the sides of a lounging pillow.
CPSC Safety Warning for Infant Lounging Pillows
Back in October 2020, the CPSC issued another Safety Warning after investigating several infant deaths linked to baby pillows and infant loungers:
“CPSC is warning parents and caregivers that pillow-like infant products, including nursing pillows and “lounging pads,” are not designed for sleep and are not safe for sleep.
3.3 Million Boppy Pillows Recalled After 8 Deaths
Podsters are not the only baby pillows linked to fatal suffocation incidents. In September 2021, 3.3 million Boppy Newborn Loungers were recalled after they were linked to the deaths of 8 babies who suffocated — a very similar hazard as the Poster Infant Loungers.
Need a Podster Infant Lounger Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.