Save Your Child

Save+Your+Child

Declan Henson

32 infant deaths since 2009 (10 since 2015) have been attributed to the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper. This product, with a user review of 4.3, has led to the loss of multiple cherished loved ones.  

Allegedly, a parent filed a report with the Consumer Product Safety Administration after a death of a 6-month-old child. As of April 5th, 2019, the agency has warned parents to stop using the product by the time a child reaches 3 months of age or develops the ability to roll over for ALL models of the Rock n’ Play sleeper.

Many parents in various communities are urging a complete recall on the product. They say the design is not safe and want stronger regulations among sleepers and other sleep-related items for infants.  

However, Mattel has not done so and instead issued a warning alongside the CPSA, as well as advising parents to read the instruction manual that comes with the rocker. The company advises parents to NOT use a pillow, comforter, or padding with the sleeper, as well as ALWAYS using the built-in restraint system.  

Furthermore, the product does not meet the AAP’s (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommendations for a baby’s safe sleep. The AAP suggest a child sleeping in a supine positioning, which means lying horizontal with the torso facing up, as well as sleeping on a flat, firm surface. The Fisher-Price sleeper is an inclined sleeper, which means the position of the child would be slanted instead of horizontal.  

The most recent reports of death have been a 1-month-old girl in Tennessee, a 5-month-old boy (in 2018) from Virginia, and a 9-day-old boy from Texas.  

For any parents in the community using this sleeper, please be careful. Follow the instructions correctly if you wish to continue using it.  Getting a different product may be the better call. No more mortality numbers should arise from this product.