Over 220K Fisher-Price Baby Gliders Recalled in U.S., Canada Over Suffocation Concerns
More than 220,000 Fisher-Price baby gliders were recalled in the U.S. and Canada on Friday over suffocation risks, following four reported infant deaths.
In a press release, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price said that they were recalling Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Gliders.
The press release stated that there have been reports of four infant deaths in the
4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soother.
"The infants were reportedly placed on their backs unrestrained in the product and later found on their stomachs," the press release said.
According to the CPSC, the deaths occurred between April 2019 and February 2020 and included a 4-month-old from Missouri, a 2-month-old from Nevada, a 2-month-old from Michigan and an 11-week-old from Colorado.
While the announcement also noted that Fisher-Price was recalling the 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Gliders, they stated that there haven't been any reported deaths in this model.
The recall includes approximately 120,000 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soothers and 55,000 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Gliders that were sold in stores and online in the U.S. as well as approximately 25,000 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soothers and approximately 27,000 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Gliders distributed in Canada.
"This recall involves CHP56, CHP55 and CBT81 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Soothers. This recall also involves the GDD28, GDD39, GDD41, GGW85, GNX43, GVG43, HBD26 and HBD27 of the 2-in-1 Soothe 'n Play Gliders. HBT17 is sold in Canada only," CPSC said in the press release.
CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler said that the reported deaths "are heartbreaking." Adler also noted in the statement that, "Inclined products, such as gliders, soothers, rockers and swings are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation."
Fisher-Price General Manager Chuck Scothon also called the deaths "heartbreaking," and said, "There is nothing more important to Fisher-Price than the safety of our products and the trust that families put in us."
A spokesperson for Fisher-Price wrote to Newsweek that, "We believe that every child should grow up in an environment surrounded by purposeful products that have been designed to keep them safe."
The spokesperson also directed Newsweek to Fisher-Price's new Safe Start education campaign, which is "focused on engaging parents and caregivers in important conversations about the safety, health and development of babies and children," according to the spokesperson.
The CPSC urged consumers that have purchased either of the two recalled baby gliders to "immediately" stop using them and to contact Fisher-Price for a refund. Consumers can visit this site to obtain a refund.
