Graco has recalled about 51,000 infant-inclined sleepers because the tragic deaths of infants have been linked to other, similar-inclined sleep products. According to Consumer Reports, the recall involves inclined sleepers sold as accessories that can stand alone or attach to several of Graco’s play yard products.
Why These Products Are Being Recalled
There have been no incidents or injuries related to these recalled products. However, other similar products, such as Fisher-Price Rock’ n’ Play and Kids II rocking inclined sleepers have been tied to 93 reported infant deaths and more than 1,000 incidents, which include serious injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says consumers should immediately stop using the recalled inclined sleepers but could continue to use the play yard and other components.
This announcement marks the 11th such recall of inclined sleepers and comes more than a year and a half after Consumer Reports uncovered a number of infant deaths in connection with the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper and other inclined sleepers.
Consumer Reports’ investigation has so far spurred the recall for more than 5.6 million of these sleepers sold by companies including Graco, Fisher-Price, Evenflo and Delta. Graco has said the company decided to recall these sleeper accessories now because of new regulation and after closely following incidents, injuries and fatalities including other manufacturers’ products. Graco has also said it is no longer selling inclined sleepers.
Why Are These Products Dangerous?
Research has consistently shown that these infant sleepers are dangerous because they increase the risk of airway compression, suffocation and death. They are designed to put infants to bed at an incline between 10 degrees and 30 degrees and allow their heads to slump forward, blocking airflow, even when lying on their backs, buckled into the product. The design of these sleepers also makes it easier for infants to roll over to their side or stomach with their faces pressed to the sleeper’s fabric, increasing the risk of suffocation.
If you own these recalled Graco sleep accessories or other products that fit the description of inclined sleepers, it is important that you stop using them right away. Make sure your childcare center doesn’t use these unsafe products either. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of faulty or defectively-designed products, please get in touch with a product defect lawyer who can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/graco-recalls-infant-inclined-sleepers-suffocation-risk/