Fisher-Price is recalling one of its most popular infant swing lines, following reports of five infant fatalities associated with their usage. The recall pertains to 21 different swing models, such as the My Little Snugabunny Swing and My Little Snugapuppy Cradle 'n Swing.
Fisher Price made the recall announcement on their official Instagram account. The message stated that the swing should not be used for sleep, nor should any bedding materials be added to it. Failure to comply could increase the risk of suffocation due to the headrest and body support insert on the seat pad.
Fisher-Price is asking owners of 2.1 million Snuga swings sold in the U.S. to comply with the recall, triggered after five infant deaths were reported. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging parents to remove both the headrest and body support insert from the swing. Parents can then receive a $25 refund.
Furthermore, the company emphasizes that the swing should not be used for sleep, echoing guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Infants should only sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface with no added bedding.
The announcement generated a range of responses from concerned parents. Shock and disappointment were expressed, considering how many children loved the swing. Many parents acknowledged their reliance on the swing to keep their children occupied and comfortable when they needed to be hands-free.
While the recall request suggests removing the headrest and body support insert if the swing is continued to be used, it raises concerns about the product's safety. Here are essential details about the recall and subsequent steps to be taken.
Understanding The Snuga Swing Recall
According to the recall notice, 2.1 million Snuga swings were sold in the U.S. These swings were available at Amazon, Toys "R" Us, Walmart, Sam's Club, and Target from October 2010 until January 2024. The recall is prompted by suffocation concerns, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The infant casualties reported were mostly in cases where the infants were unrestrained, and bedding materials were added to the product, says Catherine Frymark, chief corporate communications officer for Mattel, Fisher-Price's parent company.
The complete list of recalled products, including product numbers, can be found in the CPSC recall notice. If you are uncertain about the swing model you possess, look for the model number and name printed underneath the swing.
All recalled swings move front-to-back and from side-to-side. With 90 degrees of rotation, two seat back positions, and the ability to fold-up for storage, they vary only slightly in fabric colors and toy accessories.
The CPSC and Fisher-Price reiterate throughout the recall notice that the swings should not be used for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests putting infants to bed flat on their backs in a crib, bassinet or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.
Next Steps For Parents Owning the Recalled Swing
The CPSC suggests swing modifications for parents who wish to continue using it.
Parents should immediately remove the headrest and body support insert from the seat pad if they wish to keep using the swing, Patty Davis, Press Secretary for the CPSC, informs. Fisher-Price will provide a $25 refund to consumers who remove and destroy these parts.
To claim the $25 refund, parents will have to fill out a form on the Mattel Global Consumer Support website. Parents will have to upload a photograph of their headrest and body support insert, with the word "recall" written in permanent dark-coloured marker directly on the back of each of the cut-out pieces. Once the photograph is validated, they will receive $25 either through PayPal or a paper check, Fisher-Price says.
Even after making these modifications, Fisher-Price and the CPSC continuously stimulated that the swings should not be used for sleeping.