Fisher-Price has issued a recall for more than 2 million infant Snuga Swings due to a risk of suffocation, following reports of five children dying in the device. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that the swings should never be used for sleep, as the headrest and body support insert could increase the risk of suffocation. The deaths occurred between 2012 and 2022, with infants aged between 1 and 3 months using the swings for sleep. In most cases, the infants were unrestrained and had added bedding materials to the swing, contributing to the risk.
To prevent suffocation risks, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, and other soft items out of the sleep space. The recall affects all 21 models of the Snuga Swing, sold in the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 2010. Retailers include Amazon, Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. Consumers are advised to immediately remove the headrest and body support insert from the seat pad. Fisher-Price is offering a $25 refund to owners who remove these parts, which can be accessed on the Mattel website.
Despite the remedy offered by Fisher-Price, CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. criticized the company for not recalling the entire product and called for full refunds to be given to customers. Trumka believes that the announced recall is likely to fail and keep babies at risk, advising consumers to throw the product away even after receiving the $25 refund. Fisher-Price has not responded to CNN’s request for comment on Trumka’s remarks. The company has a history of recalling infant swings, including the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, which was involved in two recalls after eight infant deaths occurred following its initial recall in 2019.
The recall of more than 2 million infant Snuga Swings highlights the importance of following safety guidelines when using baby products. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the risks of suffocation with the swings and avoid using them for sleep. Removing added bedding materials and other soft items from the sleep space can help reduce the risk of suffocation. It is essential for consumers to check if their Snuga Swing is part of the recall and take action to remove the headrest and body support insert to ensure the safety of infants.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations on safe sleep practices for infants should be followed to create a safe sleep environment. Manufacturers should prioritize safety in their products and respond promptly to reports of safety issues. The CPSC plays a crucial role in overseeing product safety and issuing recalls to protect consumers. The recall of the Snuga Swing serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of infant products and the need for manufacturers to take responsibility for addressing safety concerns promptly.
