Fisher-Price has issued a new recall of its popular infant swings following reports of five tragic infant deaths between 2012 and 2022. The infant swing recall includes Snuga Swings, widely used by parents to soothe their babies. The products have been linked to suffocation hazards, particularly when used improperly for sleep. Despite warnings against placing infants in these inclined swings for sleep or adding bedding materials, many families were unaware of the risks.
This latest recall highlights the ongoing dangers of inclined infant products and raises serious questions about product safety, manufacturer accountability, and the legal options available to affected families. Below, the children’s product liability lawyers at Kherkher Garcia provide insight for parents and consumers on how to protect infants and their legal rights.
Fisher-Price Infant Swing Recall Information
Fisher-Price, in collaboration with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced a recall of its Snuga Swings due to a suffocation risk. The swings, intended only for awake-time use, pose a danger if used for sleep or if bedding materials are added. Consumers are urged to remove the headrest and body support insert before using the swing and to avoid placing infants in these products for sleep. Between 2012 and 2022, five infant deaths occurred when the swings were used improperly, including the addition of bedding or when infants were unrestrained.
The recall affects approximately 2.1 million swings sold in the U.S., with additional sales in Canada and Mexico. The Snuga Swing features multiple motions and positions and was sold at major retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, from 2010 through January 2024.
Consumers are reminded to place infants on their backs on a firm, flat surface for sleep and to avoid using inclined products like swings for this purpose. This recall aligns with the 2022 Safe Sleep for Babies Act, which bans inclined sleepers due to safety concerns. More information on infant sleep safety can be found on CPSC’s website.
Understanding Recalls, Hazards, Injuries, and Deaths Linked to Inclined Infant Sleepers and Swings
Inclined infant sleepers and swings were once seen as convenient, soothing products designed to give caregivers a break while comforting their infants. However, the safety of these products has come under serious scrutiny in recent years. From numerous recalls to reports of severe injuries and deaths, the risks associated with these products have prompted increased regulatory action and growing public concern.
The Rise and Fall of Inclined Infant Sleepers and Swings
Inclined infant sleepers and swings were developed as an alternative to cribs and bassinets. These products allow infants to rest or play in a reclined position, often at a 30-degree angle. Many sleepers and swings come with additional features, such as vibration, rocking motions, and music, to help soothe babies.
However, what seemed like a helpful solution for parents has led to tragic outcomes in many cases. Over the past decade, safety concerns have been raised about inclined sleepers and swings, primarily due to the risk of suffocation. These concerns reached a tipping point with widespread recalls and the eventual passage of federal legislation aimed at protecting infants from the dangers associated with these products.
Widespread Recalls of Inclined Sleepers and Swings
The most notable recall involving inclined infant sleepers began in 2019 when Fisher-Price recalled its Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. The recall came after CPSC and Fisher-Price linked the sleeper to more than 30 infant deaths. Since then, other manufacturers like Kids II, Graco, Jool Baby, and Summer Infant have also recalled similar products. According to the CPSC, inclined infant sleepers have been tied to at least 100 deaths.
These recalls highlight the ongoing issue of product safety within the infant product industry. Although manufacturers have issued recalls and warnings, countless parents have continued to use these products, unaware of the potential risks to their children.
The Hazards of Inclined Sleepers and Swings
The core danger of inclined sleepers and swings lies in their design, which places infants at an angle rather than on a flat surface. According to medical experts and pediatricians, babies’ airways can become compromised when they are placed in inclined positions. Newborns and young infants lack the muscle control to lift or reposition their heads, which increases the risk of suffocation if their heads slump forward or to the side.
Another issue arises when parents add blankets, pillows, or other bedding materials to these products. While this might seem like a way to make the infant more comfortable, adding any soft items can lead to a higher risk of asphyxiation. The CPSC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) consistently warn parents to avoid adding extra materials to infant sleep environments and recommend that infants always sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet.
In the case of infant swings, using these products for sleep is discouraged. When used improperly, swings create similar hazards to inclined sleepers, such as the potential for infants to shift into dangerous positions that could cut off airflow.
Injuries and Deaths Linked to Inclined Sleepers and Swings
Tragically, the design flaws in inclined infant sleepers and swings have contributed to numerous infant injuries and deaths. Some of the most common injuries and fatal accidents include:
- Positional Asphyxiation: The most frequent cause of death associated with inclined sleepers and swings is positional asphyxiation. This occurs when an infant’s body or head tilts in a way that blocks their airway. Without adequate muscle control, the infant is unable to reposition themselves to resume breathing.
- Suffocation: The use of blankets, pillows, or other soft bedding in inclined sleepers or swings increases the risk of suffocation. If a baby’s face presses against these materials, they may be unable to get enough oxygen, resulting in suffocation.
- Falls and Injuries from Restraint Failures: Infants who are unrestrained or improperly restrained in inclined sleepers or swings are at risk of falling or shifting into hazardous positions. This can lead to serious injuries, including skull fractures or brain trauma. Even infants who appear secured can move out of position if the restraints are not properly fastened.
- Developmental Concerns: Prolonged use of inclined sleepers or swings has also raised concerns about infant development. The constant reclined position may limit an infant’s ability to move freely and strengthen essential muscles needed for rolling over, crawling, and other developmental milestones.
Legislative Response: The Safe Sleep for Babies Act
In response to the increasing number of injuries and deaths related to inclined sleepers, Congress passed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act in 2022. This law prohibits the sale and manufacture of inclined sleepers and other products that fail to meet safety standards for infant sleep. The Act represents a significant step toward preventing future tragedies by banning hazardous products before they can reach consumers.
Under the new law, manufacturers are also subject to more rigorous safety testing requirements, ensuring that any products meant for infant sleep must meet strict criteria to minimize suffocation risks.
Seeking Legal Help After Infant Injuries or Deaths
For families who have experienced the devastating loss or injury of an infant due to an inclined sleeper or swing, legal recourse may be available. Product liability law allows injured parties to seek compensation from manufacturers whose defective or dangerous products caused harm. In the case of infant sleepers and swings, several legal theories could apply:
- Defective Design: Inclined sleepers and swings have been widely criticized for their inherently unsafe design, which contributes to the risk of suffocation. Families affected by these products can argue that the manufacturers are liable for releasing products with known design flaws.
- Failure to Warn: Many of the lawsuits involving inclined sleepers and swings focus on the manufacturers’ failure to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with using these products for sleep. Even after reports of injuries and deaths, some manufacturers continued to market their products as safe for infant rest or sleep.
- Negligence: In some cases, manufacturers may be found negligent if they failed to conduct proper safety testing or failed to issue timely recalls after discovering potential hazards. Companies have a duty to protect consumers, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations like infants.
If your child has been injured or killed due to an inclined sleeper or swing, it is crucial to consult an experienced product liability lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and file a claim against the responsible manufacturer. Compensation may be available for medical bills, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and other damages related to the incident.
Contact Our Skilled Children’s Product Liability Lawyers
If your child has been injured or tragically lost their life due to a defective or dangerous product, you deserve justice. At Kherkher Garcia, our skilled children’s product liability lawyers are dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence. We understand the devastating impact these incidents have on families, and we are here to fight for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and more.
With years of experience in product liability cases, we have the resources and knowledge to take on large corporations and ensure they are held responsible for putting unsafe products on the market. You don’t have to go through this alone – our compassionate legal team will guide you every step of the way.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your family’s rights. Call us at 713-333-1030, or complete our online contact form to get started.
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