The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an alert to consumers to stop using Podster Infant Loungers immediately after two babies suffocated to death while using these loungers.
According to the alert, the potentially dangerous products are baby pillows. The product line includes the Podster Infant Lounger, Podster Plush, Bummzie, and Podster Playtime.
Why These Infant Loungers Are Dangerous
The problem with these infant loungers is that babies can suffocate if they roll, change position, or are put on the Podster in a manner that makes it difficult for them to breathe. Babies could also roll off and suffocate against the Podster or other objects. CPSC has said it is aware of at least two babies who suffocated to death when they were put on a Podster and changed position.
Their noses and mouths were blocked by the Podster or another object, and as a result, the babies – 17-days-old and 4-months old respectively – died. In what is an unusual move, Leachco responded on its website to explain why it is refusing to recall these dangerous products. The company said the Podster is not a “sleep product” and comes with “clear warnings” that it should not be placed on a bed or crib or be used for unsupervised sleep.
Leachco said the CPSC believes all infant loungers are dangerous because parents and caregivers commonly ignore those warnings and use them for unsupervised sleep. So far, about 180,000 of these Podster loungers have been sold since 2009 at major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, Macy’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more.
The CPSC news alert comes just four months after Boppy recalled 3.3 million of its newborn loungers following eight infant deaths caused by suffocation.
Keeping Children Safe
CPSC has warned that infant loungers such as the Podsters are not safe for sleep. Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs. Babies who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment.
Parents and caregivers are advised to use a fitted sheet only for the baby’s bed and never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items that could result in choking or entrapment.
If your child has been injured by a dangerous or defective nursery product, please contact an experienced product defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2022/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-Stop-Using-the-Leachco-Podster-Podster-Plush-Bummzie-and-Podster-Playtime-Infant-Loungers-Due-to-Suffocation-Hazard-Two-Infant-Deaths-Investigated
