Parents, your baby may be at risk if you bought an inclined baby sleeper. On the heels of the huge Fisher-Price recall involving 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play sleepers that have now been linked with at least 50 deaths, another 700,000 inclined sleepers have been recalled—and the infant death toll is rising.
Inclined Sleeper Recalls
This latest recall involves all models of Kids II Rocking Sleepers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that, since the Rocking Sleepers were introduced in 2012, five infant fatalities occurred after the infants rolled from their backs to their stomachs while unrestrained, or under other circumstances. The CPSC has on its website a full list of the names and model numbers affected. These recalled sleepers were sold under brand names DreamComfort, Taggies, Ingenuity, Bright Starts, and Disney Baby–the latter two were previously discontinued.
The earliest recall occurred in 2010 with the Nap Nanny, a non-rocking inclined sleeper, which was linked to six deaths.
If your child has been injured or killed in a defective inclined sleeper accident, you may be entitled to recover damages from the party or parties responsible. Child-injury lawyer Jeffrey Killino is dedicated to helping children and families obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact Jeffrey Killino at 877-875-2927 to learn about your legal options.
Despite these massive recalls over almost a decade, similar products posing the same risks are still being sold. Baby Delight, Evenflo and Hiccapop sleepers all have the same design, and the same danger – babies sleeping on an incline between 10 degrees and 30 degrees make airway compression and suffocation more likely, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The AAP is not alone contending that inclined sleepers are dangerous. Its updated recommendations on safe infant sleep are supported by federal agencies concerned about infant health and welfare, including The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the FDA.
And the AAP is criticizing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for not taking action against these products. Dr. Ben Hoffman, chairperson of the AAP, told Consumer Reports that “CPSC sends parents a dangerous message by allowing other inclined sleep products to remain on the market,” and advised that all inclined sleepers should be “eliminated” so these “deadly products are no longer available.”
Congress also seems to believe the CPSC is stalling. Two Congressmen have introduced legislation that would prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of infant inclined sleep products. Legislation would also prevent the CPSC from signing off on any infant sleep products that are not “consistent with safe sleep best practices.” On June 13, 2019, Congressman Tony Cárdenas said, “As a grandparent, it’s just appalling,” referring to manufacturers for continuing to push these products on the public.
Parents have been misled into thinking that these sleepers help babies with reflux (frequent spit-up). Fisher-Price consulted just one medical expert to develop its inclined sleeper. Dr. Deegear stated that pediatricians recommend babies with reflux sleep at 30 degrees, but he is neither a pediatrician nor sleep specialist and failed to renew his medical license.
Nationally-recognized child injury attorney Jeffrey Killino has handled a wide variety of defective product cases, including those arising out of injuries and deaths caused by cribs. Our experienced attorneys, paralegals, and investigators share the goal of helping injured families win the compensation they need and the justice they deserve. If your child has been hurt or killed in a preventable accident caused by negligence or a defective product, call us today at 1-877-875-2927.
Inclined Sleeper Guidelines
The AAP states that:
- Sleeping at an incline can cause a baby’s head to fall forward, which can compress the neck and airway and lead to a drop in oxygen, lowered heart rate, and even suffocation (also known as asphyxia)
- Restraints, such as those in inclined sleepers, increase the risk of strangulation and entrapment
- The design of many inclined sleepers, which often includes rocking babies and nestling them in soft padding, “actually lull the baby into a deeper sleep than they are supposed to have,” making them less able to rouse themselves if their airflow is compromised.
Parents should avoid these inclined sleepers, according to Consumer Reports. (You should request a refund or throw it away.)
- Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper (Already recalled)
- Kids II Rocking Sleepers, such as the Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper (Already recalled)
- Evenflo Pillo Portable Napper (Recalled in Canada)
- Hiccapop DayDreamer
- Baby Delight Go With Me – Sway Portable Infant Rocker
- Baby Delight Nestle Nook Comfort – Plush Infant Napper
- SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper (made by Sumr Brands)
In addition, avoid these inclined products that should not be used for infant sleep:
- Graco Duet Glide LX Gliding Swing
- Graco DreamGlider Gliding Seat & Sleeper
- Nuna Leaf Grow Bouncer
- Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper
- Tiny Love Cozy Rocker Napper
Attorney Jeffrey Killino is not only an experienced lawyer – he is also a child advocate. When a child injury or death occurs, whether it is a because of a faulty inclined sleeper, crib or other product, he has the know-how and resources to guide you through the legal process to get what you and your family are entitled to. If your child has suffered a traumatic injury because of a company’s negligence, Jeffrey Killino can help: Call today at 877-875-2927.
