Fisher-Price is facing a growing number of class lawsuits after at least 97 babies died in the recalled Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.
Need a Texas Rock-n-Play 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 was injured or died in a recalled Fisher-Price Rock-n-Play Sleeper, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: “Babies Continue to Die” – Rock ‘n Play Linked to 100 Deaths
In January 2023, safety officials warned that “babies continue to die” in the now-recalled Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play. The company re-announced a recall for 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers and said that 8 more babies had suffocated to death since the product was recalled in April 2019, bringing the total number of deaths to approximately 100.
Safety officials are urging stores and websites to ban resale of these products to save innocent lives. In a statement from CPSC Chairman Alexander Hoehn-Saric:
“We are issuing this announcement because, despite their removal from the marketplace and a prohibition on their sale, babies continue to die in these products. … Unfortunately, today’s announcement highlights the fact that these products are still in too many homes, and babies continue to be put at risk.”
Congress Bans Deadly Inclined Sleepers & Crib Bumpers
In May 2022, Congress passed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021, a bill that will ban deadly inclined sleepers, such as the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play.
Under the new law, manufacturers will not be allowed to sell any inclined sleepers for babies under 12 months old if the sleep surface has an incline greater than 10º. The law would also ban crib bumpers, another deadly product linked to at least 107 deaths.
97 Baby Deaths Linked to Rock ‘n Play Sleeper
In June 2021, executives at Fisher-Price made the shocking admission that they were aware of 97 infant deaths in the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. The company also admitted that they continued to sell the Rock ‘n Play as babies died, and even fought against a recall, raking in more than $200 million until the product was finally recalled in 2019.
Fisher-Price Recalls All Rock ‘n Play Sleepers
In April 2019, Fisher-Price announced a recall for all models of the Rock-n-Play Sleepers after at least 32 babies died since it was introduced in 2009. The recall includes about 4.7 million sleepers.
Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Class Action Lawsuits
Soon after the recall, Fisher-Price and Mattel were hit with two class action lawsuits from parents.
The first class action was filed by Samantha Drover-Mundy and Zachary Mundy, parents from Delaware who say their 3-month-old daughter died within minutes of being put in a Rock-n-Play Sleeper.
The second lawsuit was filed by Cassandra Mulvey of Nassau County, New York. She accuses Fisher-Price of ignoring deadly risks for years and using advertising that “was dangerously false and misleading.”
What is the Problem?
Dozens of babies have died in a Rock-n-Play Sleeper when they rolled over because they were not restrained with the 3-point harness, causing them to suffocate against the soft fabric sides of the sleeper.
Most of the babies who died were at least 3 months old. The most recent death was reported in March 2019, weeks before the recall.
Positional Asphyxia
Positional asphyxia is another potentially deadly suffocation risk of using inclined sleepers. This occurs in very young babies who cannot hold up their head on their own. When they are inclined, their chin can dip down to touch their chest, cutting off their airway.
What Should I Do?
The Fisher-Price Rock-n-Play Sleepers were sold for $40 to $149 at major retailers nationwide and online. Consumers should immediately stop using it and contact Fisher-Price for a refund or voucher.
For more information, contact Fisher-Price online at www.service.mattel.com and click on “Recalls & Safety Alerts” or toll-free at 866-812-6518 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Safe Sleep for Babies
The American Academy of Pediatrics is reminding parents to create a safe sleeping space for infants under 1 year old. This means no extra bedding in a crib, Pack ‘n Play, or safety-tested bassinet. Never add blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, or other items to the environment and always put infants to sleep on their backs.
Need a Rock-n-Play 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.
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