New York — Fisher-Price, a leading toy manufacturer, is initiating a significant recall of more than 2 million Snuga infant swings, following reports that ties the product to several infant fatalities due to suffocation risks. The decision comes in the aftermath of revelations by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about the risks associated with using the swing for sleeping purposes.
According to the CPSC, there have been five reported deaths of infants aged between 1 and 3 months who were placed in these swings to sleep. These incidents occurred over a span from 2012 to 2022. Investigations indicated that in most cases, the infants were not restrained, and additional bedding had been placed in the swing, further escalating the suffocation risk.
The CPSC and Fisher-Price strongly advise against using the swing for sleep and caution against adding any bedding material to it. The infant deaths tied to the $160 device have prompted the recall of 21 different models of the Snuga Swing, which have been sold in large numbers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 2010. The affected models and product numbers can be found listed on the CPSC’s official website.
The swings have been available for purchase through numerous retailers, including Amazon, Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. In response to the recall, Fisher-Price is advising customers to immediately remove any headrest and body support inserts on the Snug Swing’s seat pad. To compensate consumers who follow these instructions, the company is offering a $25 refund obtained through Mattel’s website, the parent company of Fisher-Price.
The recall has sparked critical reactions from regulatory authorities. Richard Trumka Jr., a commissioner at the CPSC, criticized Fisher-Price’s recall strategy. He expressed concerns by stating that the recall is insufficient and potentially places infants at risk. Trumka advises consumers to seek a full refund and dispose of the product, highlighting that the so-called repair might not adequately mitigate the risks associated with the swing.
This recall is not Fisher-Price’s first encounter with safety concerns over its infant products. The brand previously faced issues with its Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, another infant sleep product implicated in multiple safety recalls due to similar dangers. Despite a recall in 2019, subsequent incidents suggested continued safety oversights, resulting in additional recalls.
Safety experts, including those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, continue to stress the importance of keeping sleep environments free of loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and other soft items which can pose suffocation risks to infants.
Amidst these challenges, Fisher-Price remains committed to addressing safety concerns and maintaining consumer trust in their products. The company’s handling of this recall may play a crucial role in shaping that trust moving forward. As the situation develops, consumers are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities to prevent further incidents.