Recall Issued Over Baby Swing-Linked Deaths

Fisher-Price issued a recall for 2 million infant swings after five deaths, sparking controversy over product safety and recall measures.

At a Glance

Fisher-Price has recalled parts of 2.1 million Snuga Swings due to a suffocation hazard after five infant deaths.
The deaths linked to the swings occurred between 2012 and 2022, involving unrestrained infants aged 1-3 months.
Parents are advised to remove the headrest and body support insert if they plan on continuing use.
Some criticism has arisen over what some consider only a partial recall and $25 refund for $160 product.
CPSC warns against using the swings for infant sleep or adding bedding.

Fisher-Price Announces Massive Recall

Fisher-Price, a household name in baby products, has issued a recall for over 2 million Snuga Swings following reports of five infant deaths. The recall affects approximately 2.1 million units sold in the United States, with additional sales in Canada and Mexico. The swings, which retailed for about $160, were widely available at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Toys R Us, and Target from October 2010 to January 2024.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the deaths occurred between 2012 and 2022, involving infants aged 1-3 months who were unrestrained and had additional bedding in the swing. This tragic news has raised serious concerns about product safety and the company’s responsibility in ensuring the well-being of infants.

Fisher-Price Recalls More Than 2 Million Baby Swings 'Due to Suffocation Hazard' After 5 Infant Deaths Reported https://t.co/gZwCgG3H8M

— People (@people) October 14, 2024

Recall Details and Safety Measures

As part of the recall, Fisher-Price is advising parents to remove the headrest and body support insert if they choose to continue using the product. The company is offering a $25 refund for the swings, a fraction of their original cost.

The CPSC strongly advises against using inclined seated products for infant sleep and warns parents not to leave infants unsupervised or unrestrained in these products. The recalled swings have two seat back positions and can move front to back and side to side, as well as fold for storage.

Criticism and Controversy

The recall has faced some criticism, particularly from Richard Trumka Jr. of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Trumka has voiced concerns about the partial nature of the recall and the inadequate compensation offered to consumers.

“First, Fisher-Price fails to recall the entire product, instead recalling only a portion of it. Even after a consumer follows through with the recall ‘remedy,’ the product remains unsafe for infant sleep, yet Fisher-Price encourages ‘continuing to use the swing,'” Trumka said.

Trumka further expressed concerns about this approach, suggesting it could keep babies at risk of death to save the company money. He advised parents to take the refund and dispose of the swing entirely, as it remains unsafe for infant sleep even after following the recall instructions.

Safety Concerns

Parents and caregivers are urged to review the list of impacted product numbers and descriptions available in the recall notice. For more information on safe sleep practices, the CPSC recommends visiting their website at CPSC.gov. As this recall unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of infant product safety and the need for vigilant oversight in the manufacturing and marketing of baby products.