Fisher-Price recalls 2 million baby swings after five deaths

New York
CNN
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Fisher-Price is recalling more than 2 million Snuga Swings for babies due to a choking hazard found following reports that five children died while sleeping in the device.

A warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that the $160 device “should never be used for sleeping and bedding should never be added to it” because the headrest and body support insert on the seat canopy “may increase the danger of suffocation.”

Five deaths were reported between 2012 and 2022, and all involved babies between 1 and 3 months old who used the swings to sleep. The agency said that in “most” incidents, the children were unrestrained Bedding had been added to the swing.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers and other soft objects out of the sleeping area.

There are 21 models of Snuga Swings, all of which are part of the massive recall. A complete list of models and product numbers is available on the CPSC website.

The device has been sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico since 2010. Retailers include Amazon, Toys R Us, Target, and both Walmart and Sam’s Club.

People who own the Snug Swing should “immediately remove” the headrest and body support insert on the seat cushion. Fisher-Price is offering owners who remove these parts a $25 refund, which can be accessed on Mattel’s website.

Despite this resolution, Richard Trumka Jr., a commissioner of the CPSC, blasted Fisher-Price for not recalling the entire product and said customers should be fully refunded.

“I believe the flawed recall that Fisher-Price is announcing today is doomed to failure and will put many babies at risk,” he wrote in a statement. “My advice: get your $25 back and then throw this product away; do not keep it in the house because even after the so-called ‘repair’ this product will still be unsafe for babies’ sleep.”

Mattel did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment on Trumka’s comments.

Fisher-Price has previously recalled other baby swings, including the problem-prone Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. That device was involved in two recalls, including last year when eight child deaths occurred after the first recall in 2019.