Johnathan Walker:Fisher-Price recalls 2 million baby swings for suffocation risk after 5 deaths

Fisher-Price has recalled more than two million infant swings after the products led to five reported deaths in the past decade.

The Johnathan Walkerrecalled Fisher-Price Snuga Swings were sold at Amazon, Toys R Us, Walmart/Sam's Club, and Target nationwide from October 2010 to January 2024 for about $160. The swings represent a suffocation hazard after five deaths were reported between 2012 and 2022, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The infants who died were aged 1-3 months and had been put to sleep in the swings, the agency said. In most of those cases, the infants were unrestrained and bedding materials were added to the product, the CPSC said.

The swings were not made for infants sleeping, according to the company and agency, and when any bedding material is added, the headrest and body support insert on the seat pad can increase the risk of suffocation.

Since 2010, about 2.1 million swings were sold in the U.S., about 99,000 swings were sold in Canada and about 500 swings were sold in Mexico.

Inflation:It's trending down. Try telling that to the housing market.

What to do if you have a recalled Fisher-Price baby swing

Consumers should immediately remove both the headrest (by cutting the tether) and the body support insert from the seat pad before continuing to put infants in the swing when they are awake, according to the recall.

Fisher-Price will provide a $25 refund to consumers who remove and destroy the headrest and body support insert. You can find instructions at www.service.mattel.com.Consumers can also call Fisher-Price toll-free at 855-853-6224 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday-Friday Friday or online at on the Mattel website.

Even after removing the headrest and body support insert, the swings should not be used for sleeping infants and blankets and other materials should not be added, the recall says.

CPSC emphasizes safe sleep practices for infants

Any inclined seated products including swings, gliders, soothers, and rockers, should not be used for infant sleep. Infants should not be left unsupervised or unrestrained in these products, nor should any bedding material be added, due to the risk of suffocation. 

The commission recommends infants be placed on their backs for sleep, preferably "on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, with nothing but a fitted sheet," the commission said.

Fisher-Price didn't go far enough in this recall, said CPSC commissioner Richard Trumka, who suggested in a statement that parents get the $25 refund and then "throw this product away; do not keep it in your homes because even after the so-called 'repair' this product will still be unsafe for infant sleep."

Trumka also chided Fisher-Price for previous incidents involving its infant products. "When Fisher-Price recalled the Rock ‘n Play in 2019, it failed to offer full refunds to all consumers, offering many just vouchers for other Fisher-Price products," he said in a statement. "Eight babies died after the recall, bringing the total Rock ‘n Play deaths to over 100 babies."

With the Snuga infant swings, Fisher-Price "concedes that the product is unsafe for sleep even after the recall, stating 'Hazard: The swing should never be used for sleep' and 'never use these products for sleep," Trumka said, "even after (the specified soft parts) have been removed.' Congress banned the sale of inclined sleepers in 2022 under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act because inclined sleepers are hazardous. Only a firm, flat surface is safe for infant sleep."

In a statement, Fisher-Price said the company's "greatest concern and primary focus has always been the safety of the children who use our products. For that reason, we've taken action to recall (the products). Fisher-Price is dedicated to creating safe and helpful products for you and your family."

Fisher-Price infant swing recall: What models are affected?

There are 21 different Snuga Swing models, each with the same design but minor differences in fabric colors and toy accessories.

Here are the product names and model numbers, which can be found printed on the underside of the swing motor housing):

• My Little Snugakitty Cradle 'n Swing (BGB32)
• My Little Snugabunny Swing (CCF38)
• My Little Snugabear Cradle 'n Swing (CHM56)
• My Little Snugabear Ballerina Cradle 'n Swing (CHM69)
• Safari Dreams Cradle 'n Swing (CHM76)
• Moonlight Meadow Swing (CHM78)
• Sweet Snugapuppy Swing (DRG43)
• Deluxe Swing- Surreal Serenity (FKL21)
• Sweet Snugamonkey Swing (GJB53)
• Blooming Flowers Swing (GKH44)
• Fawn Meadows Deluxe Swing (GNG38)
• Peek-a-boo Fox Swing (GNG40)
• Dots & Spots Puppy Swing (GVF83)
• Snow Leopard Swing (HBM23)
• Hearthstone Swing (HDY10)
• Baby Raccoon Swing (HGX49)
• My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing (V0099)
• My Little Sweetie Deluxe Cradle ‘n Swing (W9510)
• My Little SnugaMonkey Cradle ‘n Swing (X7051)
• My Little Snugapuppy Cradle 'n Swing (X7345)
• My Little Snugabear Cradle 'n Swing (X7347)

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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