Inclined Infant Sleepers Pulled from Market Amid Rising Death Toll
Inclined infant sleepers hit the market in 2009, and quickly became popular among sleep-deprived parents looking for ways to get their newborns to fall asleep faster and sleep longer. Sadly, these products posed dire safety risks, and are now linked to at least 73 infant deaths. Because of this, many inclined sleepers have been recalled over the last year, with four manufacturers pulling their products on January 29, 2020.
What makes inclined sleepers dangerous?
Inclined sleepers are unsafe due to their sleeping angle and softness. Babies have poor head control. due to the heaviness of their head relative to their body weight. In an inclined sleeper, babies’ heads can slouch over and tuck toward the chest. This can restrict a baby’s airway, causing breathing problems.
Likewise, if a baby manages to turn sideways or on to its stomach, it can press its face against the soft sleeper. If the child lacks sufficient strength to right itself, made more difficult by the sleeper’s angles, the child may suffocate.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be put to sleep on their backs, unrestrained, alone, and on a firm flat surface without access to pillows, quilts, comforters, or cushions.
Recalls are mounting.
Last April, Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million units of its Rock ‘n Play Sleeper citing deaths that had been reported “after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.” (Burg Simpson previously reported on this recall here.) On January 29, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that four more companies are pulling more than 165,000 inclined sleepers from the market. The list of infant sleepers being recalled now includes products from Fisher-Price, Graco, Eddie Bauer, Disney, and Kids II.
Burg Simpson is here to help.
If your family has been affected by a tragedy related to an inclined infant sleeper, call one of the award-winning products liability attorneys in Burg Simpson’s Cincinnati office today. Our experienced lineup of lawyers possesses the resources and reputation to fight for your legal rights and hold corporations accountable for the harm they have caused. Call 513-852-5600 to discuss your potential claim, or fill out our contact form for a FREE no-obligation consultation today!
