The loss of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. For some parents using inclined infant sleepers, this nightmare has become a reality. Marketed as safe, cozy places for babies to cuddle into, inclined sleepers for infants are now banned from store shelves. Unfortunately, for some families, the ban comes too late to save their beloved children from suffocation.
What are Inclined Sleepers?
Inclined infant sleepers were designed to ease babies gently to sleep at an angle. Fisher-Price Rock n’ Play sleeper, Kids II and Dorel Juvenile Group have all since been recalled and banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. To avoid suffocation, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs in a firm, empty crib or bassinet. Inclined sleepers go against this advice – which is why the Safe Sleep for Babies Act targeted them in the first place.
What Makes Inclined Sleepers So Dangerous?
Inclined infant sleepers make it easy for babies to roll onto their stomachs, putting them in unsafe, face-down positions that can lead to suffocation. Sleepers can also cause a baby’s head to tild downwards, compressing their airway. Soft padding and other restraints can also increase a child’s risk of strangulation or suffocation. Shockingly, Fisher-Price designed their Rock n’ Play sleeper without any pediatrician guidance or safety testing.
Have Inclined Sleepers Been Recalled?
In April 2019, Consumer Reports recommended a recall following the death of at least 32 infants in connection with Fisher-Price’s Rock n’ Play inclined sleeper. Days later, Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million of their dangerous sleepers. Two additional companies, Kids II and Dorel Juvenile Group USA, also recalled their inclined sleepers and offered refunds to those impacted. While many hoped this would put an end to the problem, it did not. One study discovered that one in 10 daycares were still using inclined sleeper products that August, despite the recalls. By October that year, the number of infant deaths linked to inclined sleepers reached 73.
In the fall of 2019, the Consumer Product Safety Commission encouraged parents to discontinue use of all brands of inclined sleepers and began campaigning for a federal rule limiting the angle of inclined sleepers to a maximum of 10 degrees. The new legislation would, in effect, ban all inclined sleepers on the market. It took several years, but the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 was finally passed. Inclined sleepers were banned.
Unfortunately, these dangerous inclined sleeper products remain in homes and daycares across the country. They can even be found for sale on the second-hand market from parents who have no idea about the issues they can cause. If you still own an inclined sleeper device, discontinue use immediately. Do not give it away or re-sell it.
What Should I Do if My Baby Was Injured?
Holding manufacturers responsible for their dangerous product designs is one way parents can seek justice. Filing a claim against Fisher-price may provide a degree of closure and may even inspire positive changes that save the lives of others. Financial awards can be used to cover the expenses related to your child’s injury or wrongful death, including medical care and funeral costs.
If your infant was seriously or fatally injured while using a recalled infant sleeper, it’s important to protect your legal rights. Contact a products liability attorney who understands the nuances of these tragic cases and can look out for your best interests.
Strict Legal Deadlines
There are strict legal deadlines (statute of limitations) for filing product liability lawsuits, so it’s important that you take action right away, as these cases tend to be incredibly complex. Protect your family’s right to justice and compensation. Give us a call at 877-544-5323 or send us an email to set up a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Dangerous Product Attorneys
Our firms has the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to help you navigate your next steps. Allow us to guide you through your options and chart the best course forward. We know what it takes to win substantial settlements and verdicts in product liability cases against product manufacturers. With our extensive trial experience, we’re unafraid to go to court should a fair settlement fail to be reached.
We can help you fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Free consultations (877) 544-5323.
