NEW YORK — In a significant move to safeguard infants, Fisher-Price has initiated a recall of over 2 million Snuga Swings after identifying a suffocation hazard. The decision came following reports that five infants had tragically died while sleeping in these swings, over a decade-long span from 2012 to 2022. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recalled product, retailing for $160, poses risks that were exacerbated when additional bedding was introduced to the swing, contrary to safety guidelines.
The CPSC has highlighted that the design features, including a headrest and body support insert, can inadvertently increase the risk of suffocation. This is especially concerning given that in most cases, the affected infants, aged between 1 and 3 months, were placed in the swings unrestrained. The agency strongly advises against the use of the swing for sleeping purposes.
Reports detail that all victims were found in a concerning state, possibly linked to improper use as makeshift sleeping spots with added soft bedding, which goes against the safety recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This body sternly advises that soft objects and loose bedding should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment to mitigate the risk of accidental suffocation and other sleep-related incidents.
Fisher-Price has announced that the recall covers 21 different models of the Snuga Swings. These have been available in the market across multiple countries including the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 2010 and sold through major outlets such as Amazon, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, and Toys R Us.
As a precaution, Fisher-Price is urging consumers who own any of the affected models to immediately remove the headrest and body support insert, promising a $25 refund as a part of this process. The details for obtaining this refund have been made available on Mattel’s official website, the parent company of Fisher-Price.
However, not all responses to the recall have been supportive. Richard Trumka Jr., a CPSC commissioner, criticized the recall measure as insufficient. He voiced a stark warning, emphasizing that even with the recommended modifications, the swings pose unresolved risks and should not be retained in households. Trumka Jr. went further to recommend that consumers should opt for the refund and dispose of the product altogether to ensure safety.
This is not Fisher-Price’s first encounter with safety issues concerning infant swings. The brand previously faced scrutiny with the Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, which were linked to eight infant deaths after a recall was initially issued in 2019 and then reiterated last year owing to ongoing concerns.
Safety experts underline the importance of adhering to recommended guidelines for infant care products and urge parents and caregivers to stay informed about product recalls and safety warnings. The ongoing efforts by regulatory bodies and manufacturers aim to ensure that such tragic incidents are prevented in the future, emphasizing the critical nature of rigorous product safety standards and vigilant consumer awareness.