Fisher-Price, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has issued a recall for more than 2 million Snuga Swings after five infant suffocation deaths. The Fisher-Price recall, announced on Thursday, October 10, 2024, impacts all models of the swings sold nationwide at retailers including Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Sam’s Club, and Walmart between October 2010 and January 2024.
Priced at approximately $160, the swings were manufactured in both China and Mexico, with around 2.1 million units sold in the U.S., approximately 99,000 units sold in Canada, and 500 units in Mexico. The recall was prompted by the deaths of five infants, aged 1 to 3 months, between 2012 and 2022. The deaths occurred when the swings were used for infant sleep, often with additional bedding or when infants were left unrestrained, which increased the risk of suffocation.
Recall Details and Consumer Action
Fisher-Price is urging consumers to stop using the swings for infant sleep immediately and to modify the product by cutting the headrest tether and removing the body support insert from the seat pad. This is recommended to ensure the product can still be used safely for awake-time activities.
Consumers are being offered a $25 refund by Fisher-Price for cutting and destroying the headrest and body support inserts. To claim the refund, customers can call Fisher-Price toll-free at 855-853-6224 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET from Monday through Friday or visit the company’s official website to access recall information and instructions.
Response and Criticism of the Recall
The recall has been met with criticism from consumer safety advocates, who argue that the response is inadequate considering the fatal incidents involved. William Wallace, Associate Director of Safety Policy at Consumer Reports, condemned the remedy as “woefully inadequate and insufficient to prevent future infant deaths.” Wallace called for a complete product refund and recommended that the swings be thrown away entirely to prevent further risk.
Consumer Reports also raised concerns about the limitations of the CPSC in forcing companies to implement stronger recall measures. “The CPSC can’t easily force companies to issue a strong recall,” Wallace added, explaining that recalls are often voluntary and depend on the terms set by the company. This recall highlights the need for legislative action to strengthen the CPSC’s ability to enforce robust safety measures in cases where children’s lives are at risk.
A History of Fisher-Price Recalls
This latest recall comes on the heels of previous safety concerns regarding Fisher-Price products. In 2019, the company recalled its Rock ‘n Play sleeper after it was linked to approximately 100 infant deaths due to suffocation risks. That recall, which also involved inclined sleep products, led to widespread scrutiny of infant sleep safety standards and the dangers of placing infants in inclined positions for extended periods.
The CPSC has repeatedly warned parents and caregivers against using inclined products for infant sleep, including swings, rockers, gliders, and soothers. These products pose a significant suffocation risk, especially when used with additional bedding or when babies are left unattended. The CPSC advises that infants should always sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, free from soft bedding or toys.
Steps Forward: Protecting Infant Safety
Fisher-Price’s recall emphasizes the critical importance of following safe sleep guidelines for infants. Parents and caregivers are urged to refrain from using inclined products for sleep and to ensure that babies sleep in safe environments, as outlined by the CPSC and other safety organizations.
Consumers who have purchased Fisher-Price Snuga Swings should take immediate action to modify or discontinue use of the product. For additional guidance or concerns about the safety of infant products, parents are encouraged to contact the CPSC or Fisher-Price customer service directly.
