The recall follows an investigation by the non-profit public service organization Consumer Reports, which linked the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper to 32 infant deaths since 2009.
“The Fisher-Price recall of the Rock ’n Play is long overdue,” said Marta Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. “It took dogged investigation and the voices of doctors, victims’ families, and advocates across the country to make this recall a reality. Congress needs to take a hard look at the CPSC and make sure it is a watchdog that consumers can rely on.”
The recall, which was conducted voluntarily by Fisher-Price according to CPSC’s Fast Track recall process, affects all makes of the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, totaling approximately 4.7 million units, the agency said.
CPSC said the deaths “occurred in Rock ’n Play Sleepers, after the infants rolled over while unrestrained, or under other circumstances.”
Parents and other adult owners of the sleeper have been advised to stop using it immediately, and to contact Fisher-Price for information about a replacement and/or refund.
Unfortunately, Fisher-Price’s refund option only applies to individuals who have owned a Rock ’n Play Sleeper for less than 6 months, CPSC said. Families who have owned it for longer than that will be offered a voucher to redeem for a new Fisher-Price product, depending on how long they owned the Rock ’n Play Sleeper.
This exemption has some consumer advocates worried. “By not fully compensating consumers, Fisher-Price is assuring that many consumers will instead choose to keep the product,” said Nancy Cowles, executive director of the non-profit Kids in Danger. “Anyone with a Rock ’n Play Sleeper should be given a full refund.”
Source: CBS News