Fisher-Price has issued a recall for more than 2 million Snuga Swings because of a suffocation risk that has been linked to the deaths of five infants who were sleeping in the device. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that the swings should never be used for sleep, and that adding bedding materials to the swing can increase the risk of suffocation. The deaths occurred between 2012 and 2022, with the infants being between 1 and 3 months old. It was noted that in most cases, the children were unrestrained and bedding materials had been added to the swing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, and other soft items out of an infant’s sleep space to reduce the risk of suffocation. There are 21 models of Snuga Swings that are included in the recall, and a full list of affected models and product numbers can be found on the CPSC website. The swings have been sold in the US, Canada, and Mexico since 2010, through various retailers including Amazon, Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.
Anyone who owns a Snug Swing is advised to immediately remove the headrest and body support insert from the seat pad. Fisher-Price is offering a $25 refund to owners who remove these parts, which can be accessed on the Mattel website. However, some critics, including CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr., believe that the recall is flawed and that customers should be fully refunded and encouraged to dispose of the product entirely due to safety concerns, even after the proposed repair.
Fisher-Price has faced previous recalls for other infant products, including its Rock ‘n Play Sleepers, which were linked to eight infant deaths. Despite the recalls, safety concerns surrounding infant sleep products continue to arise, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the current recall system. The company has not responded to requests for comment about the criticism of its latest recall efforts. The issues with the Snug Swing highlight the importance of following safety guidelines to protect infants from potential suffocation risks. It also underscores the need for product manufacturers to take swift and appropriate action to address safety concerns and protect consumers, especially when it comes to infant products.
